Fazal Masood Malik and Farhan Khokhar, Canada
The Western world is facing a demographic challenge. As birth rates plummet and the population ages, immigration has evolved from a social engineering to an economic necessity. Yet, the debate remains mired in fear and misconception, obscuring the essential truth: societies that welcome immigrants while fostering integration will prosper, while those that resist taking the risk will stagnate.
The economic case is compelling. Consider Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), which would grind to a halt without its immigrant workforce. (“Migration and the health and care work force”, https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk) Beyond filling immediate labour gaps, immigrants are key contributors to the very social contract that critics claim they threaten. The net positive contribution of immigrants is undeniable. They pay taxes, fund pensions and sustain public services that an ageing population increasingly relies upon. (“Systematic review: Acculturation strategies and their impact on the mental health of migrant populations”, Public Health in Practice [Oxford, England])
In the current polarised political environment, nations traditionally celebrated for their openness are not immune to anti-immigrant sentiment. Canada, long proud of welcoming multiculturalism, has witnessed a dramatic shift. Soaring housing prices and cost of living, among other factors, have sparked a backlash, leading to increased hate crimes and growing opposition to immigration. (“Federal government announces a major cut to immigration”, https://www.cbc.ca) These concerns echo historical patterns of resistance to newcomers, expertly documented by Doug Saunders in “The Myth of Muslim Tide”. He draws compelling parallels between contemporary anti-Muslim sentiment and historical prejudices against Catholics and Jews. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Catholic immigrants faced widespread discrimination, accused of owing primary loyalty to the Pope. Jewish immigrants encountered similar hostility. A higher birth rate of immigrants in their home countries was seen as forcing a change in demographics. Today’s immigrants face remarkably similar accusations, suggesting society’s collective memory is shorter than it ought to be. (“The 14 Most Common Arguments against Immigration and Why They’re Wrong”, www.cato.org)
A solution lies in the guidance of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “True integration”, he explains, “is to love the country in which you live”. This profound yet simple principle suggests that when immigrants develop a genuine attachment to their adopted homeland, they naturally strive to enhance it for future generations. Such an approach encourages newcomers to become productive members of society while preserving their cultural heritage. (“‘True Integration is to love the country in which you live’ – Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community”, www.pressahmadiyya.com).
This approach aligns with both modern social research and Islamic teachings about migration, as exemplified in the Quranic verse: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another” (Surah al-Hujurat, Ch.49: V.14). The economic data supports such inclusivity. When immigrants feel welcomed, they invest more deeply in their adopted communities, starting businesses and driving innovation. (“The Influence of Multiculturalism and Assimilation on Work-Related Outcomes: Differences Between Ethnic Minority and Majority Groups of Workers”, Psychologica Belgica)
China’s economic evolution offers a learning parallel. As workers gain stability and prosperity, they seek better conditions and higher wages, driving overall economic progress. (“Toy manufacturers’ shift from China is no child’s play”, www.reuters.com) Similarly, when immigrants prosper, entire economies benefit. This pattern has repeated throughout history, from the Jewish emigrants who helped build America’s garment industry to the South Asian entrepreneurs who transformed Britain’s corner shops into a cornerstone of urban life. Statistics from major Western countries show immigrants attain higher education & economic status than locals, contributing heavily to local society.
For nations facing demographic decline, the choice is stark. They can embrace immigration while fostering meaningful integration or watch their economies and social systems buckle under the weight of ageing populations. (“Immigration can solve the demographic dilemma—but not without the right policies”, www.imf.org) Success requires policies that support integration, combat discrimination and recognise that diversity strengthens rather than weakens society. (“Assimilation or integration: Similarities and differences between acculturation attitudes of migrants from Central Asia and Russians in Central Russia”, Psychology in Russia)
Welcoming people from around the world enhances local communities as diverse cultures, economies and innovation add to the adopted country’s mosaic. The same groups once viewed as existential threats to Western society—Catholics, Jews, and Muslims—are now integral parts of it. As the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa stated, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest” (Sahih Bukhari, Book 78, Hadith 163). In today’s interconnected world, this ancient wisdom has renewed relevance. Nations that master the balance between welcoming immigrants and fostering integration will thrive. Those that fail to do so risk being left behind in an increasingly mobile world.