Economic Crisis and Muslims’ Decisions to Immigrate to France Diagnosis and Forecast

Abstract

The article aims at answering the question whether the economic crisis
(of the 1970s and the first decade of the 21st century) has impact on the
Muslims’ decisions to immigrate. In order to illustrate this issue, I assumed
it was necessary to discuss some historical aspects of immigration to France,
which in the 1940s and 50s was mainly a goal for the citizens of Italy, Spain
and Portugal. The influx of Muslims to France dates back to 1962, when
Algeria gained independence, and has continued until now. As demographers,
sociologists and political science experts highlight, the economic crisis does not
influence the immigration decisions of Muslims from the poor countries of the
North Africa and the Middle East. The main factor stimulating immigration
of Muslims is the economic development level in their countries of origin.
It is true that the number of Muslim immigrants is slightly decreasing but it
is due to the restrictive immigration policy adopted by the host countries, i.e.
the increase in the deportation quotas or the so-called selective immigration.
The economic crisis made the host countries’ societies show their antiimmigration
attitudes. The anti-Muslim attitude of the most important
French politicians is also important. The example can be the President
of the National Front – Marine Le Pen, who states “the economic crisis
(including the one in France) results from supporting Muslims”, and the
former President of France – Nicolas Sarkozy – famous for his ‘iron hand rule
policy’ and controversial opinions about Muslims.
The article ends with a hypothesis that the immigration policy of France
is mainly influenced by such factors as cultural identity maintenance, and
integration and/or security policy rather than a strictly economic factor.