ABSTRACT
The Dutch are seriously re-evaluating past policies upholding multi-culturalism. Although the United States, Canada, and Australia claim some distinctiveness for being immigrant societies, Europe has its own long history of immigration. In September 2015, an important faultline running through contemporary Europe was exposed by scenes at two train stations located about 700 kilometers from each other. Issues of immigration and cultural change rank among the most important issues discussed at the European Union level. The Danish cartoon controversy had antecedents in Europe. French public opinion, interestingly, shows more concerns about the economic costs than terrorism. Policies toward immigrants and individuals' experiences vary widely from country to country. More so than most European countries, France has a tradition of immigration. French policy, however, has always emphasized assimilation. Anti-immigrant and anti-refugee sentiment was on the rise across Europe.
