Topic > Similarities, Differences, Surprises and Questions of Different Countries on Migration

Countries around the world have different laws and practices when it comes to migration. Each variation corresponds to a different perception that sociologists can study with an enthusiastic mind. In class each student was prepared and ready to share different statistics and facts for many different countries around the world. I am now fortunate to have acquired more in-depth training on the migration practices of Greece, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal and India. With such a diverse group of countries I found similarities, differences, surprises and questions which I will discuss in this article. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Avoiding any generalities, it is safe to say that my research and new knowledge has led me to find many similarities within European countries. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in immigration in Greece, Germany and Italy (Migration and Migrant Population Statistics, 2018). Germany has seen a huge increase in migration since 2017, with 5.8% of the population born abroad, which equates to 10.6 million people (Deutsche Wellek, 2018). Similarly, Italy has 5 million foreign-born migrant citizens, representing 8.3% of the total population (A., 2018). These are huge figures and are somehow inconceivable to me. During the activity and during the discussion with one of my colleagues I was taught about Japan. Japan stands in stark contrast to Germany and Italy in that the number of migrants accepted, particularly asylum seekers, is surprisingly low. I was surprised to learn that of the 19,600 asylum seekers who showed up in Japan, the country accepted only 20. Compared to the millions residing in the controversial European nations, the migration policies can't even compare. Japan has a strict migration practice as studied by my colleague and I was in awe of such low numbers. After Japan, another peer of mine taught me about the positive settlement experiences studied in Portugal. The Portuguese government has established a body to help integrate new migrants in an effort to promote tolerance and coexistence of all peoples. This is a beautiful government system that paints the Portuguese migration experience in a positive light. I found this to be similar to a program started in the small town of Altena, Germany. This city “welcomed 400 refugees and started a program to match them with volunteer mentors to help them navigate German culture” (Shubert, S.B., & Schmidt, N., 2017). This activity surprised me in ways I had never seen. expect. Learning about each country it broke my heart to hear about the atrocities faced by many migrants who arrive to find new homes. In Germany, a young Syrian family who recently emigrated had their home firebombed by a German dissatisfied with such newcomers to the country where he also resides (Shubert, S.B., & Schmidt, N., 2017). Lebos, Greece, was the site of a violent two-day attack between migrants and Greeks, during which people were heard shouting “burn them alive” as tensions between the two groups grew (Kitsantonis, N., 2018). I had no idea what life was really like for migrants, the violence is real and I was surprised to learn how cruel some can be. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom EssayI look to the future and wonder. What will the life of future immigrants be like? What can be done??