Integration is a word that sounds good to almost everyone. In the 19th century, when Jews stirred up the same bile in European racists that immigrants do today, assimilation was discussed, which did not sound as good, despite referring to the same thing: giving up one’s own culture and enthusiastically embracing that of the host country. Integration would be, as assimilation was in the past, the linchpin of the debate, the intersection of the Venn diagram that would solve the supposed problem of immigration. It is surprising that those who most often talk about integration are the least willing to make efforts to integrate themselves. They demand vehemently and unquestionably that an immigrant should erase their language, culture, habits, and even their clothing in order not to alter the landscape, but they themselves are unwilling to make the slightest effort to integrate into a changed landscape. They do not want to see Chinese characters on their streets, do not accept that the local tavern now serves couscous instead of patatas bravas, and cannot stand when their neighborhood is filled with Caribbean music and accents. They do not tolerate any alteration in their landscape, but demand that others forget who they are and adopt tastes, colors, and flavors that are alien to them.
I understand them, because I also do not like to integrate into anything. I have always felt like a misfit everywhere. Since I was a child, I have felt like a strange creature, and becoming an adult meant accepting that I was one and despising those who despised me. I understand that the proponents of integration do not like to adapt to new worlds and embrace delusional politicians who promise to restore a white, Christian, and simple utopia that never existed but in which they were raised. For that very reason, they should understand that the immigrants in their neighborhood also do not want to give up their own nostalgia or break ties with the country they came from and inevitably carry with them. One cannot demand anything from an immigrant that is not demanded of any other citizen: to submit to the rule of law. Nothing more. Integration is up to each individual, like so many other things. Because if integration becomes a requirement, many Spaniards with 20 Spanish surnames will have to confess that they are not well integrated, that they do not fit in almost anywhere, and that they have customs that are incompatible with decency and the Christian heritage.
If we do not reform, where will they deport us to? Integration is a complex and multifaceted process that involves mutual respect, understanding, and recognition of differences. It is not about erasing one’s own identity and culture, but rather finding a balance between preserving one’s roots and adapting to the new environment. Both hosts and immigrants have a role to play in this process, and it requires effort and openness from both sides. Integration is not a one-way street, but rather a reciprocal exchange that enriches both individuals and societies. It is about building bridges and creating a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their background or origin. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, we can create a more harmonious and cohesive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
