Why bash immigrants? (UK and Ireland users, please)?

Question

As an American about to emigrate to the UK, I am slightly disheartened to see all of the immigrant bashing going on--but maybe I'm missing something.

My husband has gotten an excellent job with an electronic's company, and we have spent months waiting for the work permit and immigration visas to allow us to go. We will have every right that a British National has, and every responsibility as well (taxes, etc.). We are moving everything (expectations are to be there for 5+ years), and our three children will of course, be with us (they are all KS1 or 2). Will they face this kind of bashing and discrimination is school? Will we face it in our daily lives? Or, like I said before, am I missing something?

Answer 1

You wont face this bashing, we like people coming over here who are educated, have skills to do jobs and who pay their taxes.
The immigrant bashing you hear of is directed towards illegal immigrants who the government are too afraid to send home and those that come over here to claim benefits from a government to which they have paid no taxes.
A general rule is if you have something to offer this country (your Husband with his excellent job) you and your family will be welcomed with open arms by most.
Yes, you might get a small minority who will say below their breath 'oh bloody americans' but these are generally our home grown state spongers who have spent their life living off the hard work of others. And i'm sure you'll know there are people like this in every country who will say that about every other nationality.
My advice would be get to know your neighbours/work collegues and mix with the locals (there is a big issue in the UK of foreigners who wont mingle with the locals at the moment so get out there and get talking to people), you'll make loads of friends who wont care whether your from Mars or Venus, get to grips with the humour, some of it can seem quite insulting at first (I upset a Canadian once with some classic british humour, she thought I was a pro riot organiser after my joke) and the rest just obscure, develop a taste for real ale and try fish and chips.
As for your kids in school, yes they may get bullied but that applies for every british kid out there as well, I was certainly picked on at times for my hair, glasses etc. What they will find is that a lot of the locals kids will want to hang around with them because of the accent, where their from etc. Remember a lot of the stuff we have over here comes straight from America, (Coca Cola, Hollywood Movies, Fast Food outlets etc) you name something American and we've probably been using it/doing it for the last 20 years.

Just remember to laugh at any American bashers you encounter who swear by and drive Ford cars, eat at MacDonalds, and grew up watching Disney cartoons!

Answer 2

I think the immigrant bashing (I've seen it too on the immigration board, you're right, it can be chillingly cold hearted) is more directed at those who try or do live off of the government, siphoning resources that would otherwise go to born or naturalized citizens. Unfortunately, when on the immigration board, people fail to mention that they have no problem with the American across the way who pays their taxes, has children in the same school as you, and who's moral values agree with yours. That's all you are missing--it is not ALL immigrants, just the one's who want something for nothing. You don't sound like that, so if you are smart (must hate Bush for that consideration), kind, not unbearably arrogant, and have similar moral values, you should be fine. Qualities such as those will quickly do away with any pre-conceived notions. Luck!

Answer 3

Maybe it not the fault of the Americans - it could be that the UK population is so fed up with Tony Blair following everything George Bush does that makes them appear to be anti American? Mind you though - I am a British citizen and when on a British ship visiting the USA (Galveston) we (The crew) were kept prisoner on the ship by the US authorities, and not even allowed down the gagway to use the telephone. No shore leave was allowed for our entire time in port. Why? Anti terrorism or just plain old Americanism. I do not mind Ameicans (As people) in any way, but the country is so screwed up that maybe world opinion is right? PS - I haven't seen any anti-americanism on Yahoo UK either.

Answer 4

You will be welcome...as you have a bona fide trade - being American, I suspect your first (and only stop) will be London - if not, then I not only apologise for my pre-emptive guff but admire you also! Notice some talk about those 'nasty Pakis' and 'horrid Muslims' - mentioning 7/7/05...but Britain has it's own sweet way to counteract such terrorism (22/7/05) - shoot South American Catholics instead, then agree with misguided media reports suggesting Mr de Menezes (the innocent 'nasty muslim' in question) had vaulted a ticket barrier and bolted down an escalator and that he had been wearing a bulky jacket, despite later reports showing that he had walked calmly into the station, even pausing to pick up a free newspaper, and that he had done little to arouse any suspicion before being shot.
You might suffer a wee bit of jealousy - as such a rush (envy) is Britains' favourite pastime...we hate people who are 'doing good' - and if you're 'foreign' - you're easy prey! Good luck.

Answer 5

Not everyone bashes immigration. My wife was not British. However, there is a need to understand the UK psyche....
Firstly, it is almost a good natured sport over here to take the mickey out of ALL nationalities... especially the Brits themselves.
Secondly, there are certain immigrants who see the UK as a way to get housing, money etc without working... these people are definitely not wanted
Thirdly, Economic immigrants... those who just come here to earn money to take it back to their country and NOT to contribute to the UK in forms of taxes etc... they too are not wanted
Fourthly. The UK welcomes anyone who is willing to work, pay taxes, integrate, not expect to be treated as a priority (on the housing list etc) and will give back as much as they take...i.e. don't support terrorism etc.
Of course there is racism like most countries, but racists are a minority... often within small insular communities or on the fringes of society. BUT, taking what I have suggested above, unless, those who choose to live here are willing to integrate and adapt to the way of live the UK demands, then racism will unfortunately grow. Sad I know.

Answer 6

My late father came to the UK from Jamaica when he was 17. He fought for this country during world war 2 because he joined the RAF, he had worked all of his life until his breath in his body had gone (he died 10 years ago) He never once claimed dole money, he would always go to work when he was ill, but the time when he could not work is when he had cancer. He did not believe living off the state. He used to say that the immigrants entering into this country was parasites.

Answer 7

Im sure you'll have very little problem Granted the americans arn't exactly the most loved nation in the world but as an immigrant i doubt there be any discrimination. It's when we get 600,000 in two years (like the polish). Brits get angry when legions of people from these rough eastern european countries turn up. But one of two yanks wont be a problem.

Oh yea, Merry CHRISTMAS. (Not seasons greetings)

Answer 8

you are missing the point i think,most of the immigrant bashing as you call it is not directed at people who can support themselves and their families it mostly directed at immigrants who come and live off the state but receive more than some of our needy families that is the problem,as for discrimmination the thing kids will pick up will be your accents only because it,s different i am frome the north east of england and have a very strong geordie accent if came to your place the same would happen to me,so dont worry you will all be fine good luck with the move and new job i hope things work out well

Answer 9

Welcome to the UK..

no you won't get the sort of predjudice that you are talking about. I am sure that it is meant for others who come here to have a better life and start living.. instead of dying, or coming here just to use our National health service..or whatever..

Not saying that your children won't get teased but depends where you are living as well. If it was here they would be made a fuss of being americans. Children settle very quickly.

I have spent a lifetime moving with my parents when they were in the forces. Spent a lot of time getting used to new friends. Don't worry so much. Things will be good for you here.

You would be missing your children if you didnt bring them..

Merry Christmas
Happy New Year

Kindest regards

ps.. predjudice is rife in USA as well... think of the struggle the Blacks have had down south.. so its not new to you. You have about as much corruption in the states that we have here. But we have more stringent laws to protect than you have.

Answer 10

No you won't have a problem at all. Britain welcomes people like you who are going to work and contribute both economically and socially. There is growing dissent over here against 'asylum seekers' who are just simply economic migrants. They are supposed to be fleeing persecution yet will cross several 'safe countries' to land on our soil to take advantage of our health service and benefits system. People see them as taking out without putting anything back into our already crowded island.

There is also a backlash against East European Workers who have the 'right' to be here due to EU laws. They are working cheaper than our own workers including doing nights and weekends for minimum wage, and if not working have the 'right' to benefits and health care.

The other issue that gets peoples backs up over here are the immigrants (Muslims) who come over, claim benefits, housing etc., then claim to hate us and the west as we are Infidels. If they hate the West why are they here?

You won't have any problems I can assure you.