First of all we should say that not all the
immigrants/minorities have the same integration problems. The Islamic immigrants
have mainly cultural (or religious) problems; and some of them with even
with political implications.
The usual problems are: Problems with the
local language, difficulties for finding accommodation and jobs according
to their qualifications, finally most of them are nomad.
The main integration problem related to the
Islamic immigrants has to do with religion. F. J. Gariosain Otero, in his
essay “Immigration and Integration” says that the problem is the confrontation
and the incomprehension that are taking place between the secular and no
confessional countries (post Christians) who believed that had everything
under control and a religious group, a faith an life community, which is
no accepted as a believer and dogmatic group.
Jørgen Nielsen goes further: It is
accepted a discourse about the diversity which gives us a plural situation.
However it can not be a frontal attack to the “state-national building”.
Furthermore, the intrinsic component of the religion as determinant for
the collective identity of this minority (Muslims) makes these States and
their citizens to be alert.
In fact, the main suspicion with Muslims is
the capacity of the Islam to get together its religious doctrine (which
articulate all the life of the members) and the social life. It goes in contradiction
with the secular condition of the European societies.
The European Council believes that these problems could be improved
by taking into account the religion aspect and human rights. That means,
all the religious communities must be free to practice their belief.
Islam in Europe is a minority religion which
is nowadays related to immigration. Their development depend on the kind
of answers that they will have from the own European system. Their demands
are basically religious, and most of the time, these are interpreted as reactions
against the secular state where they are in.
