There is a public debate in Spain these days about migration that is being treated rather superficially and lacks scientific and journalistic rigour. In a television talk show, a journalist commented that when ghettos are formed in cities and migrants do not integrate, violence and criminal action arise. A harsh statement.
When I heard this debate, the first thing I thought of was what research or scientific evidence this person was relying on to make such a vehement assertion. And I thought of neighbourhoods and areas in London or Brussels where Spaniards arrived, 60-70 years ago and where today their mayors celebrate the Spanishness of the area in their town halls with Spanish folklore and typical food.
Or I think of London’s Chinatown, which will soon be celebrating its New Year and to which Londoners and hundreds of tourists flock to enjoy Asian cuisine. I also think of the Arab quarter in Brussels where I used to go every Friday to buy fish in Brussels.
As we saw at the Experts Meeting in Washington, whose book is about to come out, migration has many causes, normally the escape from a country of origin that is not experiencing good times, where there is violence or hunger, and one leaves in search of a better life. It is a very difficult decision because you leave behind family and customs. And of course, problems, clashes, confrontations arise… but this is due to a clear lack of resources, understanding, humility and desire to serve or help on both sides. People in irregular situations are obviously much more vulnerable to discrimination and marginalisation.
Putting down roots in another place, although it is not easy, involves being friendly in the country that receives you and trying to understand what it is like in the place where you are arriving, because this, far from differentiating us, enriches us. Likewise, welcoming those who arrive intending to achieve a better life gives us an unfamiliar vision, but one that does not have to be negative in principle. It is not about saving anyone, but about trying to embrace those other realities that are looking for a new home and we can give it to them.
BeHome Blog 
Trabajando como directora en un colegio público en el que había un grupo numeroso de marroquíes exigiendo que sus hijos comieran en comedor aparte del resto para asegurarse que no le daban cerdo…Este tipo de actitudes y otros nos llevó a dejar constancia en el proyecto educativo que la interculturalidad era algo esencial,sin olvidar cual era la cultura predominante,la del país en el que debían integrarse. Yo tambien he vivido en UK y he visto la integración de muchas razas y culturas…pero esto necesita años…
Que conste que estoy a favor de acoger a los que migran… Pero con ciertas culturas es preciso ayudarles a que ese acogimiento y respeto sea recíproco.