Let's talk about this in simple terms. Imagine a family invites a neighbor over for dinner. It's a nice gesture. The neighbor feels welcome, and everyone enjoys the company. That's a good thing.
Now, imagine the family says, "Hey, stay with us. We'll feed you every day. You don't have to do anything in return."
Sounds good at first, right? But as days turn into weeks, the family's food starts running low, the house becomes crowded, and the bills pile up. What was a kind gesture has now become a problem, not just for the family but perhaps for the neighbor as well, who may feel like an uncomfortable burden.
This situation is similar to what happens when a country welcomes migrants but doesn't have a plan for how to integrate them into the labor market. It's one thing to open the doors; it's another to make sure there's a seat at the table for everyone.
Economic Strain: When migrants are supported solely through taxpayer money without contributing back through work, it puts a strain on public funds. Schools, healthcare, and social programs may feel the pinch.
Social Tensions: This could lead to social tensions. People who've been paying taxes for years might ask, "Why is my money supporting someone else who isn't working?" This can create divisions in society, and that's not good for anyone.
Missed Opportunities: Many migrants are skilled or willing to learn and work. By not quickly providing work permits, a country misses out on valuable human capital that could enrich the economy.
Dependency: It's also not good for the migrants themselves to be fully dependent on handouts. It prevents them from integrating into the society they've entered and from realizing their full potential.
Work Permits: Making work permits readily available could be a win-win. It would allow migrants to contribute to the economy and pay taxes. At the same time, it would ease the burden on public funds.
So, in short, welcoming migrants can be good, but the "welcome" needs to be more than just opening the door. It should include a pathway to work and self-sufficiency, so that the relationship benefits everyone involved.