Despite attempts in Germany to preserve the myth of temporary migrant communities, the experience across most of Europe is of large permanent immigrant communities that receive equal political rights as the indigenous population. Where these communities are substantial and homogenous, they will increasingly make their influence felt in the political system. They may, for instance, influence the host state's foreign policy towards the immigrants' home countries. The introduction of heterogeneous religious and cultural values may also make it more difficult to maintain a political consensus in Europe. Although politics is the business of the reconciliation of conflicting interests, these conflicts are likely to become more acute in diverse societies.
Communities place considerable value upon their shared culture.
They may regard the demands of multiculturalism as too high a price to pay for any economic gain. Stephen Dearden is an immigration specialist at Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England.