The situation of Muslim immigrants in certain West European countries Cover Image

Sytuacja imigrantów muzułmańskich w wybranych państwach Europy Zachodniej
The situation of Muslim immigrants in certain West European countries

Author(s): Wojciech Stankiewicz
Subject(s): Cultural Essay, Political Essay, Societal Essay
Published by: Instytut Slawistyki Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: Muslim immigrants; demographic changes; minority rights; West European countries

Summary/Abstract: The article argues that the significant mobility of Muslim minorities in France, Germany and the United Kingdom resulted from an increasing need to improve the economic life of immigrants, family reunification, and the possibility of getting permanent residence through marriage with permanent residents of the mentioned countries. The situation of Muslim immigrants in the host country is regulated by individual state and European Union law. Each country establishes its own laws concerning social and religious life and the possibility of obtaining citizenship. Muslim populations acquire legal status and uphold the law of the host country, often defending themselves against ill-treatment by referring to abuses in criminal cases. The integration of Muslim immigrants with Europeans has numerous difficulties as a result of cultural and religious differences. Immigrants tend to live in their own tight grouping, often isolating themselves from the society of the host country. The Muslim community will exceed 20% of population over the next 40 years. Europe will become a continent with a significant Muslim minority. This will contribute not only to major demographic changes but also cultural, economic, political and social ones in Europe in the future.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 42
  • Page Range: 191-207
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish