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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/15/we-need-to-shout-about-the-positive-side-of-immigration

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We need to shout about the positive side of immigration We need to shout about the positive side of immigration
(about 4 hours later)
People tend to be mostly unaware of the many benefits that newcomers to a country can bringPeople tend to be mostly unaware of the many benefits that newcomers to a country can bring
When did immigration become a dirty word? Was it when Donald Trump started talking about his wall? Or when Nigel Farage put that nasty poster up in 2016?When did immigration become a dirty word? Was it when Donald Trump started talking about his wall? Or when Nigel Farage put that nasty poster up in 2016?
Earlier? The Arab Spring? The Afghan wars? When the EU expanded into eastern Europe?Earlier? The Arab Spring? The Afghan wars? When the EU expanded into eastern Europe?
Even earlier still? Enoch Powell? Windrush? The hostility towards Jews, Huguenots and people of colour through the ages?Even earlier still? Enoch Powell? Windrush? The hostility towards Jews, Huguenots and people of colour through the ages?
Of course, immigration has been an emotive subject for as long as people have moved from one community to the next. Britain’s election will be no different, as was made palpably clear this week.Of course, immigration has been an emotive subject for as long as people have moved from one community to the next. Britain’s election will be no different, as was made palpably clear this week.
Part of the reason is that people are mostly unaware of the benefits that newcomers bring. Politicians do not see many votes in praising the new skills, manpower, job creation, competitive edge and cultural diversity that immigration promises. And there are few newspaper articles that dwell on all the ways that immigration enriches us.Part of the reason is that people are mostly unaware of the benefits that newcomers bring. Politicians do not see many votes in praising the new skills, manpower, job creation, competitive edge and cultural diversity that immigration promises. And there are few newspaper articles that dwell on all the ways that immigration enriches us.
The Upside has done regular work on this over the past 18 months , and this week was no different, as we covered the amazing story of the teenager who ran from poverty and despair in west Africa – and now wants to run for Spain. And this in a week in which one of the world’s most famous, inspiring refugees was finally given his freedom – after six years in detention.The Upside has done regular work on this over the past 18 months , and this week was no different, as we covered the amazing story of the teenager who ran from poverty and despair in west Africa – and now wants to run for Spain. And this in a week in which one of the world’s most famous, inspiring refugees was finally given his freedom – after six years in detention.
We are always searching for stories about the inspiring deeds of immigrants. Get in touch with us at theupside@theguardian.com if you come across any.We are always searching for stories about the inspiring deeds of immigrants. Get in touch with us at theupside@theguardian.com if you come across any.
Otherwise, this week was a week for:Otherwise, this week was a week for:
• Making ersatz meat from thin air. Two-minute snack.• Making ersatz meat from thin air. Two-minute snack.
• Lower speed limits in the Netherlands. Slightly longer ride –and if you are at all geeky do check out this map of speed limits all around Europe.• Lower speed limits in the Netherlands. Slightly longer ride –and if you are at all geeky do check out this map of speed limits all around Europe.
• How Greta Thunberg is kindling interest in sail hitchhiking. Two-minute journey• How Greta Thunberg is kindling interest in sail hitchhiking. Two-minute journey
• The countries where gay marriage laws has resulted in lower suicide rates. 90 second read.• The countries where gay marriage laws has resulted in lower suicide rates. 90 second read.
Lucky numbersLucky numbers
Armies are getting smaller. That has to be a good thing.Armies are getting smaller. That has to be a good thing.
What we likedWhat we liked
This piece in the Conversation about a zero-emission research station in Antarctica. The subhead could have been “Emissions: if we can cut them there, we’ll cut them anywhere.”This piece in the Conversation about a zero-emission research station in Antarctica. The subhead could have been “Emissions: if we can cut them there, we’ll cut them anywhere.”
And while we’re on the subject of sustainability, we were mildly encouraged by this from the Sydney Morning Herald: the world’s most sustainable retail mall.And while we’re on the subject of sustainability, we were mildly encouraged by this from the Sydney Morning Herald: the world’s most sustainable retail mall.
Finally, this New Yorker piece about how to have a great idea.Finally, this New Yorker piece about how to have a great idea.
What we heardWhat we heard
Carlosthepossum wrote below the line under the Behrouz Boochani piece:Carlosthepossum wrote below the line under the Behrouz Boochani piece:
Andrew Fynn wrote in with some profound thoughts.Andrew Fynn wrote in with some profound thoughts.
Where was the Upside?Where was the Upside?
In a chlorine-free public swimming pool, somewhere near you.In a chlorine-free public swimming pool, somewhere near you.
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