I think it is a lot more of a continuous spectrum than the binary classification that you’ve characterized it as. I also don’t see it as “greed” per se, more as seeking opportunities/escaping poverty.
It is also important to recognize that “cultural/wanderlust immigrants” are likely vastly more privileged than the “economic immigrants”. Most people in the global south do not have the resources to emigrate just to experience other cultures unless they are very lucky. It’s also not easy to acquire work or immigrant visas in most countries as a person from Africa/Asia etc. While it may be possible for citizens of the EU/US/Canada etc to move between countries easily with their strong passports, it’s simply not possible for the rest of the world. Immigrant blue collar workers are often either refugees, or have family in the countries they immigrate to willing to sponsor them. White collar workers either enter as students, or have intentionally acquired skills that will make it possible for them to get a job/visa.
I do agree though that “economic immigrants” are often more wedded to their own values, though that is not always the case, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right-wing. It doesn’t completely explain why their children are conservative either, given that they have to necessarily integrate a lot more with their host country’s culture. The “pulling up the ladder” phenomenon is very frustrating though, and I see it sometimes as a result of the precarious position that these people hold in their host country. They’ve likely spent a long arduous time and lot of resources immigrating, and likely will be the first ones who will be targeted by unfavorable immigration policies, so they don’t want anyone to “rock the boat” lest they lose the life they’ve built for themselves. I’ve seen this shift in mentality quite a few times, and it is very unfortunate.
One thing about integration though, it really is a two way street. Immigrants very often don’t make the effort to integrate, but on the other hand discrimination against certain races and cultures make it much harder for them to as well. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle in that sense.
I think it is a lot more of a continuous spectrum than the binary classification that you’ve characterized it as. I also don’t see it as “greed” per se, more as seeking opportunities/escaping poverty.
It is also important to recognize that “cultural/wanderlust immigrants” are likely vastly more privileged than the “economic immigrants”. Most people in the global south do not have the resources to emigrate just to experience other cultures unless they are very lucky. It’s also not easy to acquire work or immigrant visas in most countries as a person from Africa/Asia etc. While it may be possible for citizens of the EU/US/Canada etc to move between countries easily with their strong passports, it’s simply not possible for the rest of the world. Immigrant blue collar workers are often either refugees, or have family in the countries they immigrate to willing to sponsor them. White collar workers either enter as students, or have intentionally acquired skills that will make it possible for them to get a job/visa.
I do agree though that “economic immigrants” are often more wedded to their own values, though that is not always the case, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right-wing. It doesn’t completely explain why their children are conservative either, given that they have to necessarily integrate a lot more with their host country’s culture. The “pulling up the ladder” phenomenon is very frustrating though, and I see it sometimes as a result of the precarious position that these people hold in their host country. They’ve likely spent a long arduous time and lot of resources immigrating, and likely will be the first ones who will be targeted by unfavorable immigration policies, so they don’t want anyone to “rock the boat” lest they lose the life they’ve built for themselves. I’ve seen this shift in mentality quite a few times, and it is very unfortunate.
One thing about integration though, it really is a two way street. Immigrants very often don’t make the effort to integrate, but on the other hand discrimination against certain races and cultures make it much harder for them to as well. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle in that sense.