The world today stands on a very delicate balance, at constant conflict, resulting in a dynamic shift in populations. Disease, economic imbalance, political instability and even crop failure can be a trigger for migration. Immigration has remained an unresolved wicked problem for centuries.
Learning to live with cultural diversity and fighting inter-ethnic discrimination are challenges that immigration brings about. Social polarization and sustained inclusion of people is the only way to provide for a sudden influx of population, especially into a complex existing network of people. The aim here is to provide the means to a self sustainable lifestyle. This is naturally linked to the economic conditions of a place. To make a city more immigrant inclusive we must consider the nature and characteristics of the urban/rural setup.
Accessibility
The more easily accessible a location is, the more crowd it attracts, immigrants typical tend to look for opportunities to survive and are naturally driven to accessible places. The way a street is designed itself can have an impact on the level of accommodation it provides.
Transport is the central spine with which a city develops and is extremely crucial for the development of a tolerant society, Pricing and availability of public transport will engage the crowd and make travelling affordable. This is directly linked to the employment rates in an area.
Let's look at a small scenario, a poor family is forced to move into a new country, he/she obviously feels extremely nervous to venture out in the first place. He starts with stepping out on small walks around the neighborhood to get familiar with the surroundings and also scouts for jobs to provide for the family. He realizes that work is found a little far away and needs to travel. There is no bus stop or public transport nearby and is almost a 1km walk, Tired from walking he finally reaches the transport station and gets to the work place exhausted. On the way back, he struggles to communicate in the new language and is offered judgmental looks and sneers. Again begins the tiring walk back home empty-handed.
This is a case of a typical low-income immigrant family, the role of public transport is evident, and is necessary for the upliftment of the immediate incoming population as well as for the existing one. The new population will be at the receiving end of curious looks and comments but people tend to come around and start helping once they realize there is no threat. This creates more contacts and networking for the newcomer and grounds him with the existing people. Public transportation provides for this interaction which can otherwise be found only at the workplace.
Employment
"Economists tend to prefer trade to charity"
The availability of employment opportunities nearest to the residence encourages the family to participate and naturally improve their lifestyle. Exchange of goods, security services and other such essential amenities also creates a sense of faith during uncertain times. Educational institutions that accept diversity helps the family establish themselves and creates a base to develop upon.
Commercial Regulations
They should not apply differently to different sects of the population and instead provide equal opportunity to first time employees. By-laws should protect the interest of the immigrant population by giving them something to start ground up and also promote a discrimination free social setup. Proper licensing of establishments should be given importance for some kind of identity to be associated with new population.
Location
Even when immigrant families start seeing better income, they tend not to move away from rented locations that are in better proximity to commercial centers and with people resource, They still go for rental single owner houses where they can make lasting connections rich in information and support. This helps them create links with the indigenous community and makes them feel less isolated.
India is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with ever increasing population, it has been near impossible to satisfy everyone's needs. With new housing policies and social intervention in place, we have tried to catch up with the fast paced environment.
Better Urban management initiatives and social inclusion programs will bring about security and identity, facilitate a better lifestyle for immigrants around the world. Social awareness about the inhuman conditions that immigrants struggle under will enlighten people to be more welcoming. It is an essential step towards holistic national development, and simply humanity to be immigrant friendly,
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