Politicians opposed to immigration are making electoral gains throughout Europe, and legislators in the United States are also polarized over immigration reform, especially the status of an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants. Michael Mandelbaum, author and international studies professor, argues that “immigration has become a major and contentious political issue in the world’s wealthiest nations” – even though immigration is a necessity for European countries with older populations. Key to successful immigration policies is assimilation, and Mandelbaum points out that the level of integration varies between the United States and Europe. Immigration throughout US history, along with the strong track record in delivering needed labor along with innovation, has led to a strong political force, while undocumented immigrants, lacking legal status to live or work in the country, are on the decline. Mandelbaum predicts less enduring political backlash on immigration in the US, and increased political intolerance, despite great economic need, from Europe. – YaleGlobal
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/differing-approaches-immigration-two-sides-atlantic
