In an act of hypocrisy, the President of the United States of America (USA), Joseph Biden, stated that while his country welcomes immigrants and that China, Russia, Japan and India are xenophobic. Subsequently, the White House Press secretary made hurried attempts at damage control to minimize the comparison with other countries and instead focus on “how important it is to be a country of immigrants and how it makes our country stronger”, President Biden’s statement invites critical attention to the current situation and the unforgotten history of xenophobia in the USA.
Migrant apprehensions soar along the southwestern border of the USA, reminiscent of the 1970s. Immigration has slowed, green card issuance is stagnant since 2008, and xenophobia surges, fuelling racial attacks. Rooted in settler colonialism, the US continues to back Israel against Palestinians, in the past vetoing UN Security Council sanctions 34 times and currently is enabling what should be called genocide in Gaza. USA acts unilaterally, invading sovereign nations, driven by racism and xenophobia. The Global North mirrors this hubris, ignoring colonial exploitation and unequal trade. The North hosts a fraction of refugees, despite their major hand in creating conflict across the world. Led by the USA, the Global North has undermined the Rio Declaration’s “Common but differentiated responsibility,” crucial for Climate Justice.
Let us not ignore the truth in the principle President Biden hypocritically espouses – the need to welcome immigrants. Positive immigration policies across the world are a fundamental human right. We should enable every human being to live where they want. Immigration policies should aim to track such movements so that all welfare measures and social security can continue to be provided to all immigrants wherever they are.
Why is this important? The rising global displacement crisis, with over 114 million forcibly displaced, underscores the urgent need to recognize the right to seek refuge as a fundamental human right. Immigrants fuel economic growth, with positive policies fostering innovation and competitiveness. Skilled immigrants address labour gaps, enhancing productivity and tax revenues, while promoting cultural exchange and tolerance. Allowing freedom of movement for labour alongside capital could further boost global economic equity. Embracing immigrants not only enriches society but also sustains welfare systems and counters aging populations, ensuring demographic balance and societal resilience.
While there are short-run downsides to immigration, especially in driving down wages in specific sectors, ultimately, inclusive immigration policies strengthen economies and promote social cohesion, laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future.
The Global South shoulder the bulk of refugee responsibility, hosting 75% in low- and middle-income countries, with Least Developed Countries offering asylum to 20%. Nearly 70% of refugees reside in neighbouring countries. This burden falls disproportionately on regions historically affected by colonialism, unequal terms of trade and compounded by ongoing interference from the Global North pursuing geopolitical goals.
Yes xenophobia is on the rise globally, including in India and the broader Global South. In South Africa, despite overcoming apartheid, migrants, especially from other African nations, face discrimination and violence. Similar sentiments are seen in India with movements favouring “sons of the soil.” Addressing xenophobia requires policies tackling economic disparities, social integration, and fostering empathy. Superficial remarks won’t suffice; comprehensive solutions are needed at local and global scales to promote diversity and understanding.
Despite its history of genocide against indigenous populations, those who fought for independence from the British did aspire to build a country on the principles of freedom from tyranny. Thus, the lines under the Statue of Liberty that was gifted to the USA by a post-revolutionary France in 1884 carried the lines: “Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”.
But as the USA remains the unsung champion of the continuing hubris and almost racist unconcern of the fate of others – the words on the Statue of Liberty seemed to have been reduced to empty rhetoric. We need to build a world that has greater empathy and concern for the vulnerable to ensure that xenophobia remains just a tragic past and together we can build just futures for all humanity and make our planet a home for all living diversities.
Disclaimer: The article was originally published on Financial Express. The views expressed in the article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of ActionAid Association.