Immigrant Nations

This book is a major reassessment of how immigration is changing our world. The policies of multiculturalism that were implemented in the wake of post-war immigration have, especially since 9/11, come under intense scrutiny, and the continuing flow of populations has helped to ensure that immigration remains the focus of intense social and political debate. Based on his deep knowledge of the European and American experience, Scheffer shows how immigration entails the loss of familiar worlds, both for immigrants and for host societies. The conflict that accompanies all major migratory movements is not the result of a failure of integration, but is part of a search for new ways of living together. It prompts an intensive process of self-examination on all sides. Immigration has such a profound impact because it goes to the heart of institutions like the welfare state and liberties like the freedom of expression; liberal democracies developing into immigrant nations go through an existential change. To cope with these challenges, Scheffer argues, we should move beyond multiculturalism and take a fresh look at the meaning of citizenship in a globalizing world. This principled and path-breaking book will establish itself as a classic work on immigration and will be an indispensable text for anyone interested in one of the most important social and political issues of our time.

Chapter I: A suitcase in the hall Tolerance under strain - The conservatism of migrants - The in-between generation - Native unease - Integration requires self-examination - So what's new? Chapter II: The world in the city 000 The proximity of strangers - Segregation and inequality - Ghetto culture - Black and white schools - Dispersing without mixing - Back to the garden city Chapter III: The great migration The globe is fragile - All the colours plus grey - Classic countries of immigration - Migration and development - A morality of mobility - The citizens' revolt Chapter IV: The Netherlands, a culture of avoidance As others see us - Migration and nation building - Tolerance is not laisser-faire - Organizing Islam - Post-colonial lessons - Identity and openness Chapter V: European contrasts From emigration to immigration - Early opposition - Republican answers - Foreigners after genocide - Taking leave of empire - At the external borders Chapter VI: The cosmopolitan code The colonial trap - ‘Enlightened' racism - The value of cultures - Beyond multiculturalism - Prejudice weighed - World citizens in the making Chapter VII: The rediscovery of America The colonists' creed - In the melting pot - Opposition to immigrants - The golden door shuts - The lingering shadow of slavery - Affirmative action Chapter VIII: The divided house of Islam Islam and imperialism - In a secular environment - Conservatism and radicalization - Reformist voices - Believers in an open society - A world without an emergency exit Chapter IX: Land of arrival Rituals of citizenship - Everything of value must defend itself - A triptych of integration - Dilemmas of equal treatment - Tomorrow's immigrants - Accepting what we have become Epilogue Acknowledgments Bibliography Notes