In this thought-provoking analysis, David Heinemeier Hansson argues that simply closing borders won’t solve deep-rooted integration issues. He examines the Danish experience with strict immigration policies, showing that even after decades of limited immigration and controlled borders, societal challenges persist. Hansson highlights troubling developments in Danish public schools, nightlife safety, and sports, all reflecting the growing difficulties in assimilating descendants of MENAPT immigrants. Notably, he points out that “time will not solve these problems” as data even shows an increase in violent behavior among second-generation immigrants, making the case that restricting new arrivals is only a partial solution.

Key Points:

• Strained Public Schools: In Danish schools with 30% or more immigrants, incidents of violence are twice as common, with some teachers remarking that "the Quran run the classroom."
• Parental Flight to Private Education: Concerns over school safety are prompting parents, including some Syrian families, to switch their children to private schools.
• Nightlife Safety Issues: Danish women feel unsafe at night, with the mayor of Odense bluntly noting that "groups of young men with an immigrant background" are responsible, suggesting avoiding these groups altogether.
• Sports and Social Exclusion: A soccer club from Vollsmose became infamous when other teams refused to play them due to a history of violence, leading them to advance by default through forfeited matches.
• The Limits of Border Control: Hansson’s analysis challenges the notion that stricter immigration or closed borders alone can address these systemic problems, emphasizing that long-term integration remains elusive.

This episode invites us to rethink the simplistic idea that closing borders is a panacea for complex social issues, urging a deeper look at how we address assimilation and community safety in an ever-changing world.
Link to Article