How my views on Immigration have changed since arriving at University (Politics)

Just to clarify before we start – I have never been a Racist or disliked the idea of other people coming to our country to live and work here; so do not get that impression.

However, when I lived in Christchurch I seemed to pick up a peculiar sense of what Immigration actually is.

Christchurch is quite possibly the most culturally un-diverse place I have ever been; it frankly is a sea of white old people living out their retirement.

Because I never was in contact with Immigration I always just thought about the politics and numbers and drew my opinions from that. I always thought that public services would get overused and stretched if immigration continued at a high rate.

I always thought that perhaps our culture would be somewhat lost; and that pubs would close down, and things we associate with British culture may begin to become few and far between in out towns and cities.

About a year ago I even went through a phase of thinking that the EU was a bad thing; and thought though they were always highly questionable UKIP weren’t that bad.

But how things have changed now I have actually seen what Immigration does.

I now go to Southampton University; and it is probably one of the most culturally diverse places I have been.

Many students from different countries go to Southampton University to get an education; and to try to make the best of them-selves, just like we do.

Here are some things I have noticed.

Immigrants actively want to be here

Immigrants who have made the move are coming here for a better life; and to work hard and to try to make something of their lives.

They tend to work extremely hard, as obviously they have given up their ENTIRE culture to be here, so obviously they are tenacious enough to try to make it work.

Sometimes I guess they find it hard to fit in at the start – but it is very small-minded to expect immigrants to change their culture fluidly and to not miss their culture. For instance if we moved to China the culture shock would be Immense.

The fact they bring some of their culture here is fantastic

In Southampton there are areas where the cultures change – from Muslim areas to Chinese areas to Indians and Europeans. There are many different cultures here.

I cannot express how INTERESTING this makes living in comparison with Christchurch.

There are so many new things to talk about and try; and it is fantastic.

I’m going to a Sushi bar soon – I’ve never tried sushi properly before, but It’s going to be a good experience!

It does not affect our English Heritage

I used to be worried that these areas would expand so that no pubs would be available or no Fish and Chips stores would be present (for instance). However this is just not the case, there are plenty of Pubs around, and plenty of things which we have inherited from our previous culture. We have only ENRICHED our culture with theirs.

This is the way the world was meant to be; many languages being spoken, many people engaging together and breaking down the social and cultural walls which divide us from other countries.

I find it amusing the way I used to think about Immigration.

It was so un-informed, I guess I used to read papers and see news stories and I had no other way of thinking about Immigration.

Don’t listen to the media and Mr Farage.

Immigration is the bee’s knees; it puts more into our culture and economy than it could ever take out.

Rant Over.