> Then why is Europe experiencing such a huge problem now and not then?
It seems less likely the problem is immigration and more likely at last part of the problem is fear of immigrants. Studies such as the following show that anti-immigrant sentiment is more extreme among residents of rural places than among residents of urban places, even though immigrants are more likely to reside in urban communities.
Think about that: the people who are most affected by immigration are least worried about it, the ones least affected are most worried.
> That's an oversimplified chart that doesn't mean anything for this discussion.
If the claim is that migration alone is causing the problem, then it isn't oversimplified, it puts migration numbers into historical context. But if your claim is that it is not migration alone that is the issue, then possibly, yes, it is oversimplified. What other issues would you identity?
It's a worthwhile question and one worth comparing to the US today. Why is a sizable percentage of the US today afraid of immigrants despite no significant increase in immigration at all (unlike Europe)? In this case, assimilation is irrelevant yet this fear of immigration has been enough to put Trump in office.
It's speculation, but I think rural populations worldwide are experiencing poor economic conditions while the urban areas have enjoyed growth and prosperity. The primary reason for this is most likely that young and educated people move to the cities draining rural areas of talent. Further, rural industries in first world countries are no longer competitive enough to sustain rural economies. There's more than can be said here I'm sure.
I feel like it's more about the economy than immigrants. Ask somebody in Parkersburg, WV if they are angry at the Lebanese family that built a restaurant, or if they are angry about that economy in general
The issue is right there: previous immigrants in France hardly assimilated, so when a new wave comes in, without change in the country there is no reason for them to assimilate either.
That's an oversimplified chart that doesn't mean anything for this discussion.