The Roma (commonly referred to as “gypsies”) represent a significant and often despised immigrant group throughout Europe. It is the threat of their expansion and growth into Western Europe that is precipitating tight new immigration legislation such as the regulations introduced in Britain yesterday by David Blunkett. But are the Roma really as hell-bent on seizing jobs and sucking up space as they are often portrayed? This profile of a Czech Roma and his family challenges that notion, showing that many Roma reject the idea of immigrating to Western Europe, for fear of encountering language barriers and further prejudice.
The Guardian, 'I Don't Even Speak Perfect Czech, How would I manage English?' by Luke Harding
It's a very good story, but you should have seen that Sarah already posted it... (And Sarah should have included a link with the title...)
Posted by: Francis Pisani at February 24, 2004 01:27 PM