For years, many Britons have fretted over the emergence of foreign enclaves in the country where English is not spoken and which, in some cases, have become breeding grounds for radical organizations dedicated to the overthrow of Western culture. What was particularly galling was that some of those espousing hatred for everything Britons held dear were happy to benefit from the country's extensive social welfare programs.

The UK took a tentative step in 2004, when an American-style citizenship ceremony was introduced, followed in 2005 by the requirement that any migrant seeking naturalization had to pass certain language and citizenship tests.

In France, the government imposed a ban on the wearing of Muslim hijab (headscarf) in schools that triggered vociferous protests.

For some time, it has also promoted an "integration contract" for immigrants. Such an agreement provides new arrivals with extensive language classes and civic education sweetened by access to social services.

This idea isn't new, but has been around since 1993. What is new is that, like the Dutch scheme, the emphasis is on the immigrants rather than the State to achieve the necessary social integration.

As a further step, the National Assembly denied foreigners from outside the European Union the right to vote in local elections, with the government arguing that French citizenship should remain the main path leading to integration into French society, and from that would flow voting rights and other benefits.

In Germany, another country that has witnessed large migrant and refugee inflows, the government provides extensive language training and civics instruction for newcomers and stronger naturalization tests are being studied.

In Denmark, all new migrants must attend obligatory civics and language classes. Any family members wishing to join them must wait three years to enter the country. Sweden has begun taking a tougher line on young Muslim girls wearing veils, as well as banning arranged marriages. Creation of religious schools is also discouraged.

Of course, one can sympathize with the ideal of multiculturalism as a means to promote understanding and reduce the risks of war and instability on our fragile Earth. But, it's obviously not working.

The arguments for and against are complex. All I know is that, after living for many years in Asia, the responsibility has always been on me to change, and assimilate, and not the country where I happen to be living.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/geoffreymurray.htm

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