Chapter Eight: Rights group attacks Dutch immigration policy

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080515/netherlands_immigration.html?.v=1

Dutch has passed an immigration policy that seems discriminatory to rights groups. They require that they look at immigrants’ language and culture before they are allowed in. The tests cost $540 per try and they are also charged with monthly immigration fees. Gerda de Lange, a government spokeswoman, states that they only want people that understand the Dutch and know what to expect. However, the rights groups are saying that the Dutch are discriminatory to keep certain cultures out of their country. The test also is targeted at developing country immigrants mostly Turkey and Morocco. They don’t even test certain wealthier countries such as United States and Japan.

This relates to the immigration policy in Canada that was explained in the book. In Canada, we test immigrants for their ability to contribute to the economy. Immigrants may help the unemployment rate or it may worsen it depending on what immigrants come and where they settle. A good qualified worker may only be helpful to the economy if there is a job available and if they are will to work. Also, Canada tries to reunite families by immigration, while the Dutch are criticized for keeping families apart. Immigration, if used correctly, may reduce structural unemployment.

The Dutch are certainly using immigrants the wrong way. They are keeping people out because of their culture even if they are educated and ready to contribute. They seem like they don’t want immigrants unless they are very wealthy and smart from certain races. I am not sure if they don’t even consider certain people from developing countries, but it seems that way by the reactions of the rights groups. Gerda de Lange’s reasons are convincing, but it is hard to determine how exactly they evaluate immigrants and how much they weigh culture when evaluating them.