Refugees, Immigration, and Integration 

By Jonathan Joseph Chiarella 

Human displacement rose noticeably this century. In addition to ongoing civil wars, we witnessed upheavals in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Gaza. Consequently, the acceptance of refugees and migrants is a hot-button issue. 

The Moral Dilemma 

On the one hand, humanitarian ideals compel us to welcome refugees. For most of history, polities were laissez-faire about migration. However, in the late 1800s, many states began exclusion policies – and even intensified them in the 20th century. Then the United Nations and the bastions of Western liberalism recoiled with horror after World War II. They vowed to provide the refuge that those fleeing genocide were seeking. Germany today exemplifies the spirit and hosts 2.2 million refugees. 

On the other hand, the specter of social discontent gives us pause. Even before migrants arrive – or in spite of whatever they do – some natives will be livid. That is a problem for a democracy. And even if the state ignores the angry subset, serious issues arise in every migrant’s transition. The host and target countries usually have sharply different languages, food, and customs. Also, there will be a non-zero rise in violent crime from (1) sharp population increases, (2) inter-ethnic fights, and (3) failed integration creating unemployed and disconnected youths. 

Is a state’s sole duty to its own citizens? Should it reflect its society’s humane morals? Can utilitarianism work? Has Germany taken too many Syrians, Turks, and Ukrainians? Hungary too few? Should all countries share the high costs of mass migration so that Germany does not become a martyr in this multiplayer game of prisoner’s dilemma? 

Let’s leave these paradigms and examine the impact of migrants outside of the major ports and capital cities. 

Win-win in the Countryside 

A fall in the working-age population wreaks havoc on communities, and this is acute in small, rural villages. More workers means more services in the town, more products made and sold inside and outside the town, more customers, and most importantly, more tax revenue. Empty houses do not pay property taxes. 

Data in Europe from Professor Lahdelma shows that rural communities often oppose taking migrants, as they feel the sheer numbers will overwhelm them, that the proportional increase is too much. However, the towns that do receive migrants switch to being the most supportive. Contact and camaraderie dispel fears and animosity. The townspeople appreciate the economic and social rejuvenation that migrants bring. We also see a distinct re-conceptualization of the migrants. Big cities see migrants as a financial cost – even if they strongly feel that they should accept migrants. Rural areas see migrants as assets with tangible benefits. 

What is preferable to the migrant: to be seen as a charity case that everyone feels duty-bound to accept or as a member of the community for most people after a rough beginning? Certain people will prefer one over the other. However, any program that settles poor (i.e., car-less) and lonely refugees should distinguish between true rural towns and isolating, low-density “bed towns.” 

Because North America is so suburbanized, it should not be surprising that some war refugees returned to Ukraine after months of walking on shoulders along interminable and desolate roads, mere inches from speeding, faceless metal boxes, working jobs or applying for benefits to barely make rent money. Korea could market itself as an alternative, and one where the cost of living (especially food and rent) in Yeonggwang, for example, ranks far below that of Toronto. And for everywhere, investments in accessibility help migrants and natives alike. 

Inter-national at the Sub-national 

Immigration and integration present a unique opportunity for sub-national governments to flex their international muscles in a substantial way. National governments control the border, yes, but sub-national governments can agree to sponsor stays of refugee immigrants and even push some acculturation like required (free) language classes as Quebec had done in Canada with the French language. This also does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision about one massive nation of refugees. An active approach to resettlement of foreigners can allow true diversity. The myriad nationalities (from Cuban to Congolese) who moved to Alaska have worked the Grow North Farm and revitalized the food economy in Anchorage. 

Coordinated resettlement of migrants would be more cosmopolitan than a one-off “world” festival. It would even assist with direct diplomacy. Such a local government would also build lasting cross-national ties, just as the Irish diaspora links Boston to the Emerald Isle. Nowadays, it is not unusual for a mayor or governor to be feted abroad (see last month’s interview with San Antonio’s mayor). There is no reason to keep international relations limited to one-to-one interactions between presidents. 

Next Steps 

The demographic outlook for the Jeolla Provinces and Gwangju – and almost anywhere in Korea outside of a couple cities and Gyeonggi – is not great. Aging and shrinking populations mean less political power on the national stage, less money for upkeep and improvement, fewer municipal services, and a cycle of brain drain. 

Things could look different. Caution is warranted for certain towns that need to become more accessible, but places like Gokseong, northern Suncheon, and Namwon could benefit from taking a lead in accepting and integrating migrants. We can already see how immigrants sparked a wave of foreign food markets all over Gwangsan District in Gwangju or in Wando. The worries about social upheaval and the controversies over what amount of assimilation the natives can (or should) demand of newcomers – these issues remain – but avoiding the discussion carries opportunity costs. 

The Author 

Jonathan J. Chiarella grew up in New York. He holds a B.A. in History (Rochester) as well as two M.A.s (Chonnam, Florida) and a Ph.D. in Politics (Florida). You can spot him riding the river trails or read his analysis of current affairs related to Honam or international relations. 

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Photo: Abandoned hanok in rural North Jeolla Province. (Photo by Isaiah Winters)