Is the West’s Great Experiment with Openness Ending?
The Western world, including Europe, North America, and Japan, is becoming less receptive to foreign students, workers, and refugees. This trend reflects a marked departure from the openness observed half a decade ago. The question arises whether this shift can be attributed to the influence of Donald Trump, whose political career began a decade ago.
Donald Trump’s Influence
- Rhetoric and Political Strategy:
- Trump's political career was launched with controversial remarks about Mexican immigrants, labeling them as criminals.
- These statements resonated with a segment of the population, allowing him to dominate the Republican primary by pushing out mainstream candidates.
- Trump’s rhetoric has escalated, with accusations against immigrants and refugees, often with misinformation, to capture media attention and bolster his support base.
- Presidential Actions:
- Immigration agents are reportedly deporting individuals without due process, targeting them based on appearance.
- Efforts to repeal birthright citizenship are underway, potentially affecting the children of migrants.
- There are considerations to use denaturalization laws to deport naturalized citizens, particularly targeting political opponents.
- Impact on Education and Research:
- Crackdowns on foreign students and researchers are intensifying, with prestigious institutions facing funding cuts for opposing government policies.
- Visa applicants are required to make social media accounts public, allowing authorities to scrutinize them for undesired opinions.
- Even visitors face interrogation based on misinterpretations of digital communications.
- Global Leadership and Competitiveness:
- The hostile environment created by these policies could undermine US global leadership and economic competitiveness.
European Context
- Germany’s Migrant Policy:
- A decade ago, Germany welcomed 300,000 Syrian migrants, receiving over a million asylum applications during 2015-2016.
- This policy has influenced political dynamics across Europe.
- United Kingdom and Brexit:
- The UK’s Brexit vote was driven by desires to “take back control” of borders.
- Post-Brexit, migration from non-European countries, especially India, has increased significantly.
- Current political debates focus on accusations of an “open borders experiment” leading to a transformative demographic shift.
- European Political Climate:
- Mainstream politicians in Europe are gradually erecting barriers to immigration, though avoiding Trump-like rhetoric.