Immigration in the U.S. continues to be a point of contention, but the U.S. is not alone in dealing with issues swirling around the movement of people from one country to another.
As the ranks of unemployed swell, migration to the U.S. slows from Central America, Africa and Southeast Asia. Other magnets for talent and labor are cropping up around the world. Highly-skilled immigrants on multi-year green card lines are being lured back to their home countries, where they often compete indirectly with the U.S. Some countries grant equal rights to immigrants, while others -- in the name of nationalism -- do not warmly welcome immigrants and allow discrimination and racism to take root.
Worldfocus reporters travel across Europe (Italy, France, Germany), and to Guatemala, Mexico and Israel to examine how contemporary immigration issues are playing out around the world.
"Immigration" is a collection of signature videos, interviews, reporter observations and analysis from the field and blogger perspectives.
Far-right Dutch party makes big gains in local elections
The Netherlands today held municipal elections in hundreds of cities and towns across the country. The Freedom Party, a populist, anti-Muslim, and anti-immigration party led by Geert Wilders, ran in just two of those elections. In one city, it came in first, and in the other city, the Hague, it came in second. The party wants to outlaw Muslim headscarves in Holland.
Mexican economy hard hit by drop in U.S. remittances
Mexicans abroad are sending less money home to their families as a result of the global financial downturn and rising unemployment levels. These remittances are the country's second largest source of foreign currency -- after oil sales. Their rapid decline has hit the Mexican economy particularly hard. For more, Daljit Dhaliwal interviews Rodolfo de la Garza.
Germany to require immigrants to sign integration contracts
Germany has plan for an "integration contracts" that new immigrants must sign, laying out services available to immigrant communities and detailing the expectations of new arrivals. Martin Seemungal reported late last year on the rising Christian-Muslim tensions in the city of Cologne.
Gay refugees flee persecution but remain at risk
Worldfocus producer Gizem Yarbil interviews Neil Grungras of ORAM, a not-for-profit organization providing legal assistance for refugees fleeing sexual or gender based violence. He describes the difficulties faced by gay, lesbian and transgender refugees who often flee persecution only to find continuing harassment while in transit.
Shutting the doors to immigrants during tough times
Tough time in Britain have fueled a growing debate about immigration -- and a backlash that is forcing the government to respond. The issue is jobs, and Gordon Brown's aides worry that the government has been too quiet on immigration. Should countries that have historically welcomed immigrants close their doors during tough economic times?
Making immigrants feel at home in their new countries
Tonight's show takes a broader look at relations between Muslims and other groups in Europe, where the Muslim community makes up five percent of the population - 38 million people. Yet xenophobia is on the rise. Nadim Baba of Al Jazeera English reports from Dresden, Germany.
Head-to-toe Islamic veil rare in France
A report by French newspaper Le Monde revealed that just 367 women wear the full Islamic veil in France. Worldfocus contributor Ben Piven explains the tension surrounding the French government's attempts to restrict Islamic dress.
Pakistan’s next generation looks to escape abroad
As Pakistan reels from both the global financial crisis and the Taliban-led insurgency, many young Pakistanis are looking for a brighter future abroad. Worldfocus contributing blogger Faisal Kapadia in Karachi describes the bleak mindset of Pakistan's next generation.
Generations meet in Jamaica’s Chinese cemetery
Lisa Biagiotti is reporting from Jamaica for a series of Worldfocus signature stories. She recently visited her grandfather’s grave in the Chinese cemetery in Kingston and shares a personal story of death and renewal of the Chinese community in Jamaica.
Guatemalans shed tears of frustration over U.S. immigration
Samuel Loewenberg of the Pulitzer Center is currently in Guatemala producing a couple Worldfocus signature stories. He writes about the experience of Guatemalan migrants to the U.S.
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