Dutch Cities want fewer Polish and Romanian migrant workers
The cities of Maasdriel, Zuidplas, Zaltbommel, and Tiel in the Netherlands are trying to push for the reduction of Polish and Romanian migrant workers. They feel that there are too many workers living in the certain houses, and too many houses throughout the neighborhoods. Their main goal is to keep the areas livable for local residents. The local residents in these cities complain that the noise pollution is too high and the streets are packed with cars with Eastern European license plates. Migrant workers make up almost ten percent of the population of Tiel and the municipality wants to limit the number of workers per home, and home per street.
I thought this was a very interesting read because I was comparing it to the United States and people wanting to limit the number of Mexican migrant workers. Sometimes we don't realize that other countries have some of the same social issues going on as we do.
References
https://nltimes.nl/2018/04/03/dutch-municipalities-want-fewer-polish-romanian-migrant-workers-neighborhoods
I understand the comparison to the United States and I feel that both situations are racist, but I also feel that it isn't viewed as racist in these Dutch cities which is interesting because in the United States if this was to be said I think it would be labeled racist.
ReplyDeleteComplicated scenario in Europe where immigration has transitioned in meaning as European borders have opened to each other over the last 20 years. Many within the Romanian population are somewhat nomadic as well and their culture and lifestyles are not always compatible with other lifestyles. Being practical while being sympathetic and sensitive to those seeking work and better lives is a challenge.
Delete