"Politicians often blame immigrants for not doing enough to integrate into society. But do they know what integration means? Jamal Osman shares his experience of moving to London from Somalia." A news story on 3 families that moved to the UK and the issues of integration. One couple were Filipinos who came here to work in the NHS. The husband pointed out that integration is a 2 way street. http://www.channel4.com/news/immigration-nation-somalia-one-mans-story "Is integration about mixing with the Brits or speaking the Queen's English? Is it about dressing in certain ways, eating certain food, listening to British music? In my experience, integration has different connotations for different people. And in my 14 years of living in this country, my interpretation of it has been changing. At first, I thought integration was about going down the pub and having a pint, which I couldn't do for religious reasons. Then I developed an obsession with the weather but found it difficult to continue talking about it. Later, I became addicted to eating fish and chips but soon got tired of it. Today, after all those years, I don't really know what it means to be integrated. Who knows where I would be? I came to this country from Somalia in my early 20s with no family and very little English. It took me two years to be comfortable with life in London: when I got my refugee status and started working full-time. I became more confident using phrases like, "innit", "you know what I mean", and so on. Like many other immigrants, I appreciate the opportunity this country has given me to better myself and to achieve something in life. The compassionate immigration system allowed me to have the same rights (in most cases) as everyone else. The generous welfare enabled me to get assistance when I needed it. The high-quality British education improved my knowledge of the world and helped me realise my aspirations. Who knows where I would be had I not come here. Read more coverage of our Immigration Nation report Giving back Most immigrants will probably say the same. And in return, we make positive contributions to the British society: whether it is great ideas, a hard-working ethic, delicious food and so on. It is a two-way relationship. How many of you dine at Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants? How many of you call affordable Polish builders when you want housework done? How many of you take an immigrant cab driver at weekends? What about the NHS workers who care for you in your hour of need? Surely, Britain would be a poorer place without us, immigrants. And, in my experience, the UK attracts foreigners because it is the best country in Europe to be an immigrant - in particular, living in London, where you are surrounded by people from all over the world. That doesn’t make someone feel like an outsider, but just another member of a global community."
