Immigration to the Western world

Immigration has had a major influence on the demographics and culture of the Western world. Immigration to the West started happening in significant numbers during the 1960s and afterward, as Europe made its post-war economic recovery and the United States passed the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 allowing non-European immigration.

Immigration to the West has often been related to the West's colonial history; for example, immigration to Britain historically has come largely from former British colonies (generally as part of the broader Commonwealth migration.) Wars that Western countries have recently been involved in, and the fallout or flows of refugees associated with them, have also been tied to the inflow of immigration.

Significant debate has taken place around the economic and other benefits associated with immigration (particularly for low-skilled workers), with Western governments often more in favor of immigration than their constituents. Debate has also taken place around both the theory and current state of integration of the immigrants, with some favoring multiculturalism as a solution.

History
In the United States, theories around immigration have historically revolved around the metaphor of a melting pot, wherein different kinds of immigrants would eventually become more homogeneous and Americanized over time, with such effects seen even today.

Internal migration
There is significant migration between the countries of the European Union, where there is freedom of movement. Migration between OECD countries is also notable, though sometimes limited by cultural differences.

Backlash
Backlash to immigration has impacted Western politics significantly; for example, Britain's decision to leave the European Union was informed partly by some of its voters' desire to reduce immigration. This backlash has helped far-right politics become more prevalent.

Illegal immigration
There has been an increase in anti-immigration sentiment in the West in relation to illegal immigration. In the United States, right-wing politicians have called for a border wall with Mexico, and in European politics, accusations have been made of a "Fortress Europe" mentality.

Muslim immigration
American responses to Muslim immigration have been influenced by the September 11 attacks. Within Europe, there has been a concerted backlash to Muslim immigration. Some feel that Muslim Europeans do not fully embody Western values, while others have focused on publicizing various violent incidents perpetrated by Muslims.

Some members of the Muslim diaspora have become more religious over time, either in response to hostility, or as a result of newer generations seeking a connection with their ancestral homeland and practices.

In Europe, certain countries have banned elements of Muslim-associated culture, as is the case with France's burqa ban.

Terrorism
Attention has been called to the rise of "lone-wolf" Islamist terror in Europe, which is partially motivated by anger from some European-born Muslims against their former colonial masters, and how it differs from the relative success of North America in ameliorating native-born Islamic terrorism.

Societal cohesion and cultural preservation
Some oppose immigration on the basis that it increases cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity in a way that threatens native cultures and can impair social integration.

This resistance has been noted in the context of the European Union after it expanded to include Eastern Europe, as many migrated towards Western Europe.

Statistics

 * Between 2010 to 2017, over a period of eight years, more than one million Africans from Sub-Saharan Africa emigrated to Europe and the US.
 * From 2018 to June 2023, over a period of five and half years, more than 780,000 Indian people renounced their Indian citizenship and emigrated to the following Western countries: US (328,619), Canada (161,917), Australia (131,883), UK (83,468), Italy (23,817), New Zealand (23,088), Germany (13,363), Netherlands (8,642), Sweden (8,531).
 * Chinese emigration increased from 2000 onwards. By mid 2020, more than 4.6 million Chinese emigrated to the following Western countries: US (2,184,000), Canada (699,000), Australia (653,000), Italy (233,000), UK (208,000), Spain (179,000), New Zealand (144,000), Germany (143,000), France (126,000), and Netherlands (73,000).