Historically, both NEI and the South have been thought of more in terms of emigration rather than immigration, with large numbers of Irish people from both the North and the South migrating to the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries in search of better economic opportunities. The impact of an Gorta Mor, our specific politics, and economic hardship in the 19th and early 20th centuries contributed to a long-standing tradition of emigration. However, in recent decades, the immigration dynamics in Ireland, both North and South, have undergone a significant transformation.
In the South, the Irish economy, particularly after the 1990s, saw substantial growth known as the “Celtic Tiger” period (yeah, we’ve all heard of it). This economic boom created a huge demand for labour, which led to an influx of immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. The European Union’s enlargement in 2004 also played a massive role in the flow of people, as workers from new EU member states had the right to move to Ireland.
However, in NEI, the situation was more complex due to a little known conflict known as The Troubles. NEI’s history of sectarian violence, political instability, and economic struggles under the Unionist governments initially limited immigration flows. However, the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 brought a semblance of stability to the North, bringing with it an environment that was more conducive to immigration. The economy began to grow, and the region saw an increase in the number of migrants, particularly from Eastern Europe and parts of the UK.
With that in mind…what’s with all the hullabaloo over immigration? I’ve watched, with fascination over the past week, America attempting to deport American citizens who have fallen foul to Trump’s immigration and deportation policies simply because they aren’t white. Children have been scooped, to coin a Norn Irish term, on their way to school without their parents being informed and mothers arrested while taking kids to school, and their kids simply left in the car alone. However, what America is starting to realise is, even for a country of its size, immigration is essential. America’s farmers are in absolute turmoil because while most of the agricultural states voted for Trump, and deportation, they forgot one little thing…their fields are worked by immigrants both legal and illegal, along with other, shall we say, undesirable jobs.
As for NEI, Sandy Row saw racist rioting (don’t even try to tell me it wasn’t) after the far right sparked a frenzy through toxic algorithms, far-right alliances across sectarian divides and old-fashioned race hate mixed with an “element” of paramilitarism after three children were murdered in Southport.This all converged in a week that saw racist violence hit the streets of Belfast. Muslim businesses were burnt down, a man’s head was stamped on and almost killed, and houses were targeted in racially-motivated attacks. But why? Are these people taking our jobs?Are they suppressing our rights? Are they eroding our culture?
Contrary to what many believe, more Irish/Northern Irish kids are killed by our own ‘white irish’ than by Muslims or any other variation of ‘foreigner’ or colour, which is why the “We have to protect the kids” argument doesn’t add up, but is sent forth by people attempting to transform NEI and Ireland as a whole into a white, Christian island. So why then are the same people passing over those peadophiles and predators in their communities to attack people, some of which have never laid a finger in anger on an Irish/Northern Irish child?
The racist element could also be seen in all its awful ferocity when nurses, who were clearly here to help our ailing health service, began to receive attacks on their homes with racist scribbles written on their walls telling them their house should be “for locals only”. So, clearly this isn’t about protecting our children as these nurses are here to help our kids and keep them well and healthy.
We’ve heard the argument that all these foreign nationals are scroungers and are leeching off our welfare system. Why then did these people who are so worried about our kids, and our jobs, and welfare wreck and burn businesses owned by Muslims? Businesses that employ people in their communities and give back to the system through taxes and national insurance and most likely give more back to the community they’re a part of than those who drove them out and burned their livelihood.
A 2017 report by the Department for the Economy in NEI found that EU migrants contributed in excess of £1.2 billion annually to NEI’s economy which is substantially more than the costs associated with the public services they utilise. UK wide they contribute in excess of £20 Billion. This includes their role in industries like construction, agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare, where they filled labour gaps and helped maintain economic growth during the 2000s and beyond. Many immigrants start their own businesses in NEI, contributing to economic growth and employment. The growth of small businesses owned by migrants and immigrants in sectors like retail, catering, and services has boosted local economies and created jobs for both migrants and natives alike. For those who claim immigrants simply come here to scrounge or sponge off the benefits system.
To finish, Illegal immigrants or asylum seekers whose asylum appeal has not yet been granted or whose application has been rejected will not be entitled to claim any benefits, despite misinformation circulating that says otherwise. So, while those who have not achieved asylum or are dangerous individuals should absolutely be sent back to their country of origin, there are many immigrants, both legal and illegal who can and want to contribute to NEI and Irish society.
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