Madrid Update No. 4

At the World Forum on Migration in Madrid today, I took part in a lively plenary panel discussion on ¨Interculturalism–Living together, rights and integration.¨ Carlos Gimenez from Madrid made a strong case for a transnational idea of social class and pluralism. He argued that living and contributing together is a goal that must be shared in Spain. He announced a major event to be spearheaded by the Mayor of Madrid–the entire population will be ask to vote, neigborhood by neigborhood, to chose repesentatives to 21 different meeting sites to discuss integration. Migrants will be asked to vote as well. What an amazing concept–to discuss up front in every neighborhood the responsibilities of integration of immigrants.

Ivan Forero spoke of a concept of global citizenry, with a gurantee of dignity and a decent life for everyone, whereever they chose to live. To him, the key is to allow everyone to become a participant in society. But he challenged us to not integrate into a society that exploits immigrants—essentially to reject neo-liberal globalization.

Oscar Chacon remarked that the recent pro-immigrant marches and events represents a major opportunity for immigrants in the U.S. No doubt, migration represents a threat to the established concept of power and what some might think is U.S. society. But to Oscar, we must meet that challenge. He believes that at the end of the day, immigrant communities must take the responsibility of integration on their own. They cannot transform themselves without their own strength and resources.

There was remarkable similarilty in the remarks of all the panelists. I focused my remarks on my own background growing up in a very diverse community in Arizona and the lessons I have learned from that experience and great initiatives in other parts of the U.S. I really believe in the basic premise of the Little Hoover Commission Report issued but forgotten back in 2001 that when immigrants do well, we all do well. My comments are essentially a chapter in my forthcoming book to be published this summer–Deporting Our Souls: Values, Morality and Immigration Policy.

bh