I think the main “problem” with immigration is that early immigrants were not only absorbed into the community, but they wanted to be both absorbed and assimilate.
Today, it seems like some immigrants take great pride in NOT assimilating and trying to force change towards their desires, their culture, their religious beliefs, and thus create a very different culture for everyone.
When I travel, I live by the credo “When in Rome…” I try to dress and behave like a local. I’m painfully aware of the ugly American stereotype and will actively avoid crew members on layovers who present as such, and will remind them, when necessary, to keep it down, you’re not in your living room at home now!
If I moved to XYZ, I would do so because XYZ was attractive to me, be it job opportunities, culture, geography…and the last thing I would want to do is drag my old life along in an attempt to change people in my new life…with the exception of Hob Nobs, Lion’s Wine Gums, and a good meat pie, of course!
I think immigrants who emigrate with the intention of NOT CHANGING and attempting to assimilate do their new host country a disservice, can alienate themselves in the eyes of locals, and can lead to prejudice where none previously existed.
I travel to visit other cultures, see new things, experience new foods, etc… I don’t pack America (or England) in my suitcase and bring it out when I travel, so that the citizens of my host country can treat me like I like to be treated at home. Isn’t that the point of traveling, or moving overseas? New and different experiences?
When I went to the Taj Mahal, some in my group wore shorts and some of the women didn’t wear modest clothing or bring a scarf to cover up. They were simply not allowed into certain buildings and were ogled unnecessarily for their lack of propriety.
Now, it was a hot day, but if you don’t take even a second to understand the cultural significance of the place you’re visiting, then expect to be treated as such…whether a tourist or an immigrant!
When in Rome works for me.