Danish immigration laws could loosen, but only for westerners like me

All countries are equal, but (when it comes to immigrating to Denmark) some countries are more equal than others.

Danish immigration minister Søren Pind has conceded that there may be some changes made to the way migration into Denmark is handled, the first sign of a change in direction of the present government, which has been tightening immigration since 2001.

I read the story in the Copenhagen Post, and at first glance the news is positive. The idea is to make it easier for people coming from developed countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, which for me sounds really great.

Separating the immigrants who come to Denmark into categories will definitely be in my favour. For too long those in Denmark opposed to immigration (chiefly Danish People’s Party) have managed to bundle all foreigners into one pile and rhetorically claim that the sum of foreigners is costing the Danish state millions of kroner each year.

This is smart politics but those on the far right, as Danes are particularly concerned about the economy at the moment. Most Danes are united in support of continuing the welfare state they enjoy and of course being able to marginalise foreigners to save money, is very convienent.

Now I don’t have the figures to prove this, but I know many foreigners working in Denmark, who have a job, pay tax to the state and don’t take social welfare. Being able to separate this group from those who are dependent on the state could free up hundreds of hours of wasted resources processing visas and let us get on with our lives.

The unfortunate thing about this situation is that it will unfairly impact educated and skilled workers coming from non developed, westernised countries. My good friend is in this category, and I don’t see why my situation should be any easier than his. After all it’s not where you come from, but from where you’re going which should count the most…..