This Spanish town welcomed migrants. Integrating them is harder. (csmonitor.com)
‘While there are no secret formulas for social cohesion, Dr. Fortes adds, “If we can find a way to recognize the humanity of each person who is living together with us in society, that goes a really long way.”’
Language learning, available accomodation (limited, and then on top of that they don't like renting to blacks), social services burden (wait times), dependence on government subsidies (which may change), and residents can't voice their concerns publicly for fear ‘their small businesses to be affected by negative comments.’ They may speak, but privately and in hushed tones.
‘“It’s nice to say, ‘We are such good people; everyone is welcome. If they want to preserve their customs, they can, but we have ours, too, and we aren’t going to change for them.”’ 130 migrants in a town of 2000 citizens, and most of the 130 haven't found a job. They want to save to bring their families to Spain, too.
One retired teacher in the town gave some of the migrants jobs in her garden, chatted with them about their stories, gave them lunch and taught them to make traditional Galician prawns and fish in her kitchen. This is an uncommon attitude.
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‘Many Western democracies are worried about far-right parties’ popularity. But some are finding that letting them into government actually brings them back to earth.’ CS Monitor