The truth about immigration

A conservative view is that a country can either have a sustainable welfare state or high levels of immigration. But that view is wrong. In fact, we can achieve both a well-functioning welfare state and increased immigration. By using progressive taxes and government deficits to invest in getting everyone in society to feel good and function well, we can see effects such as improved research results also in technology, energy and pharmaceuticals, reduced social problems, increased productivity, improved public health and reduced gang crime.

Sign for a humane migration policy!

Immigrants are not a burden

It is true that some on the right view immigrants and refugees as a burden. But if we think about it, we see that the people they call a burden actually play an important role in society. When an immigration critic needs care, chances are a doctor she calls a burden will take care of them. As he gets older, he will often be taken care of by people he calls a burden. Even when he rides a bus or takes a taxi, he is likely to be driven by someone he calls a burden. The food he eats in restaurants is often prepared, served and washed by people he calls a burden. Even the premises and hotel rooms where he stays are largely cleaned by people he calls a burden.

Inequality increases social problems

Although history since the time of the ancient Greeks shows that the more vulnerable the least privileged groups in society is, the more socially problematic and criminal there are within these groups. The Swedish experiment where the 40s were raised from the simplest socio-economic background to the point where many of them became brilliant academics and several great CEOs, engineers and researchers shows the power of improving for them on the floor. And it wasn't just those from well-to-do backgrounds that were raised. A great many Swedes have serious criminals from the 1800th century in their history. A famous singer had a father who wasn't much to show the world, but the singer became one of our most beloved singers.

Good enough best

The research overview The spirit of equality shows that in more unequal societies more and more people become socially problematic. Then serious psychological literature shows that we will never be error-free. Even Nelson Mandela, Astrid Lindgren and Martin Luther King have skeletons in their closets. But if we invest in giving them basically tolerable and reasonably equal conditions and raise those with talent for brain work to such, we can build a highly productive and high-tech country where the vast majority are good enough.

To connect these insights with the content of The "migration myth" by researcher Peo Hansen becomes important to understand the real truth about refugee immigration and welfare. There is an accepted belief that immigration costs money and that refugees burden welfare more than they contribute in taxes. This has led to a restrictive migration policy. But according to researcher Peo Hansen, this perspective is outdated, incorrect and harmful to both people and government finances.

Immigration often profitable

Using the economic doctrine of Modern Monetary Theory, Hansen shows that the Swedish refugee reception in 2015 actually became an economic success story. In 2025, further support for it also came economically positive with immigration from economic historian Tony Johansson. Despite predictions of increased government spending and budget deficits, the state turned out to have a surplus and paid off the national debt. The municipalities that handled the refugees also achieved record results. In addition, the refugees provided a new workforce that, if handled properly, will mitigate demographic problems in the future.

Peo Hansen argues that the narrow view of government finances and constant government surpluses is wrong. He uses Modern Monetary Theory to show that a state with its own currency does not function like a household or a business. Instead, the state can create more money to make society work and meet its needs. It is about focusing on real resources such as manpower and infrastructure.

A more functional economy of necessity

It is important to discuss and challenge these economic ideas to enable a more functional economy and understand that money is not the real problem. The corona pandemic has clearly shown that politicians and national banks around the world are prepared to invest large sums to meet society's needs. This gives us a glimpse of a new economic thinking that prioritizes society's needs over the budget. Inflation after the pandemic was due to too much money being invested in saving stock prices and too little on production and the unemployed. The US has beat inflation faster using Modern monetary theory.

Austerity policies bring a future disaster

It is necessary to question the austerity policies that have characterized our society and that have resulted in closed borders and inadequate healthcare during the pandemic. In addition, we face the great challenge of adapting to climate change, which requires large public investments. To continue to believe in the dogma of "sound public finances" would be disastrous for our future.

It is time to reevaluate our economic thinking and prioritize society's needs over narrow budget goals. By investing in progressive taxes and government deficits, we can build a more equal and inclusive society. It is not only about accepting more refugees, but also about reducing social problems, increasing productivity and improving public health. The truth is that we can have both a functioning welfare state and a welcoming attitude to immigration. It is time to rethink and take the step towards a more progressive and sustainable future.

Integration is an investment – ​​not a cost

Although it sometimes takes up to 18 years for half of the refugee immigrants to get a firm grip on the labor market, it is no longer than for many native Swedes without higher educationYoung Swedes often try their luck in their 20s and 30s between temporary jobs, unemployment and studies before finding long-term livelihoods.

Value from day one

It is often said that newcomers "don't contribute", but that is not true. Value is created already during training and establishmentAsylum seekers who attend SFI or participate in introduction programs use public transport, buy food, live in housing and create local demand. Their teachers, community counselors and support workers have real jobs that generate tax revenue. Integration builds employment for others too – it is a social cycle.

Purchasing power and productivity increase – for everyone

Money invested in integration is not a loss. It is a redistribution which increases purchasing power, productivity and tax baseWhen people are given the chance to educate themselves, work and contribute to society, everyone benefits – not least pensioners, the sick, the unemployed and low-income earners who need strong welfare.

Most people are not illiterate

Another myth is that everyone who comes here lacks education. That's wrong. Those who manage to escape are often middle class in their home countries – teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, technicians. They have education, but it is not always validated directly in Sweden. Calling them “illiterate” is not only incorrect – it is condescending, divisive and dangerous.

Of course there are newcomers with low education – just as there are Swedes who have dropped out of school. But it is therefore education is crucial for everyone. We should not talk down to people. We should give them tools to grow.

Divide and conquer destroys everything

But for immigration and refugee reception to be socially sustainable and accepted, everyone in Sweden – regardless of background – must have the right to good jobs based on their skills. Those who need it must be supported to improve their qualifications. Immigration must never be used to increase the pace of work, reduce freedom at work, undermine security or divide the working class through divide-and-rule methods.

Therefore, we must simultaneously strengthen social insurance, increase pensions and build benefit systems that provide real security. It is a major threat to the Swedish model that Unemployment insurance for the long-term unemployed will be 5621 SEK/month after tax from October. Immigration policy should be on the side of migrants, the people and nature – not become a tool to squeeze wages or enrich the economic elite.

Our responsibility – after the shadow of colonialism

Many refugees are fleeing war, climate disasters and poverty – largely caused by the historical plunder of colonialism and today's economic power structures. Sweden has not been outside of this. We have benefited from a global system where resources, labor and the environment have been exploited in the South.

Therefore, we have a responsibility – not only with our hearts, but with our eyes fixed on justice. To welcome people who flee with respect, security and opportunities is not naive. It is moral, sustainable and smart social economy.

Sign for a humane migration policy!

Further reading:

Hyperinflation in Weimar, Zimbabwe and Venezuela

It was not the welfare that gave the race of the 90s.

The right tries to blame post-Covid inflation on welfare and deficit policies

Preventive and repressive measures are not enough against gang crime and crime

No government deficits – society's unnecessary straitjacket