NationStates Jolt Archive

Unless a nation has utterly closed its borders to anyone coming in or going out, there's bound to be people immigrating and emigrating. What are your nation's policies on this issue?

It occured to me that it could be interesting to have some idea regarding what expatriate communities can be found in each nation.

For example, Ariddia has a lot of people coming and going, and these fall into several categories

IMMIGRANTS

* Family reunions: people immigrating to join their family, or because they've married an Ariddian
* Students: usually temporary migrants, but some stay on permanently
* Refugees fleeing persecution of all kinds and/or economic hardship
* Economic migrants seeking work
* Ideological migrants attracted by Ariddia's socio-economic and political system, and/or way of life

EMIGRATION

* Family reasons: emigrating to live with expatriate family and/or a foreign spouse
* Students: Some Ariddians study abroad, usually on exchange programmes or in countries were tertiary education is almost free (due to Ariddians' lack of money); some then stay in the country they were studying in
* Economic / ideological migrants who disagree with the Ariddian economic and political system, and want to settle somewhere they can earn money, and/or have access to modern consumer society conveniances (lacking in Ariddia)
* "Refugees": There is no persecution in Ariddia, but ideological emigrants may, in rare cases, take advantage of refugee status granted by some nations to persons emigrating from a socialist country.

There are, today, far more people coming into Ariddia than leaving it, but there are nonetheless significant numbers of Ariddians (or people of Ariddian descent) living abroad.

Ariddians living abroad can be divided into those who support the Ariddian government (a majority, but by no means all), and those who do not.

Most Ariddian expatriates (but again, by no means all) will try to maintain an Ariddian way of life to some extent, while integrating into the host country.

Wymgani (Indigenous Ariddians) tend to be under-represented in expatriate communities. They represent about 1/3rd of Ariddia's population, but less than 10% of the number of expatriates (by some estimates, no more than 6%).

Keeping up an Ariddian way of life may mean going regularly to a local vegetarian Ariddian restaurant (which can be found in all major foreign cities in which there's a notable Ariddian community), especially if the Santé! restaurant chain (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=513004) is present in the host nation. It can also mean creating Ariddian cultural associations. Virtually all Ariddian embassies in foreign capital cities have an Ariddian cultural centre (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ariddian_government_officials_and_diplomats#Overview). It can also be as simple as watching PINA (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=510393), the Ariddian international news channel, if it's available in the host nation.

Some Ariddian expatriates congregate and form a real minority community, but others focus on integrating as individuals. A sense of Ariddian identity may be stronger in "second-generation immigrants" than in their parents, but this varies tremendously from individual to individual. A sense of "Ariddian pride" and identity may be very strong (expressed through a consciously chosen way of life, adhering to Ariddian values, celebrating Ariddian festivals, flying the flag, even wearing Indigenous Ariddian body paint), or it may be mostly absent.

As for foreigners in Ariddia, they are expected to abide by Ariddian laws and values, but are encouraged to preserve their own culture as well, making the PDSRA a multicultural country. Here (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Citizenship_and_immigration_in_Ariddia) is more information on immigrating to Ariddia and obtaining Ariddian nationality and citizenship.

Now, one of the points of this thread is to determine what expatriate communities may be found where.

If you want there to be Ariddian expatriates in your country, feel free (and simply say so here). There can be anything from a tiny handful (or even just one or two) to a fairly large community (say, up to 3% of your population). Whatever you like.

Ariddians are likely to settle in your country for any of the reasons mentioned above, but they are very unlikely to migrate to a dictatorship. They'll almost all be looking for a good quality of life.

Up to, say, 30% of the population of Ariddia may be composed of immigrants, or people of "recent" immigrant descent (i.e., non-Indigenous, and non-white francophone / anglophone descendants of early colonial settlers). With that in mind, immigrants (or people of immigrant descent) from your country in Ariddia can form up to 2% of Ariddia's population.

Let's see where this thread takes us. :) As far as I know, there's never been a thread on population migrations between nations.

Imitora has pretty strict immigration laws.

One, there isn't a refugee status in the traditional sense. If you can find a way to get out of the nation that you don't like, and some how wind up here, then you can denounce home citizenship, declare Imitoran citizenship, assuming of course you can pass the citizenship test. Those who choose to serve in the Imitoran Military or Homeland Gaurd (our reserves), then citizenship is automatically granted for the immigrant and family. If a large enough community of refugees come to Imitora, they may petiton the IICE for Right To Call Protest, in which they can submit a request to the Imitoran government to call for official national protest, boycott, or even military intervention into their home nation. However, if they choose to take this path, they cannot be granted Imitoran Citizenship and will not be granted the same rights as Imitoran Citizens. This does, however, let them keep the citizenship of their home nation. Should a "refugee" decide that once changes are made in their home nation and they want to return, all they have to do is submit notice that they are returning to their home nation to IICE.

Regarding temporary citizens (we expect all immigrants to follow local and federal laws and carry themselves as a respectable Imitoran citizen) who come to Imitora for schooling, meeting family, etc., are required to go through a IICE (Imitoran Immigration and Customs Enforcement) background check, present a passport or other form of proof of citizenship of their nation. They are subject to all local and federal laws, and violation of such laws will have them prosocuted as if they were an Imitoran citizen. If a student wants to stay in Imitora, they can either do it for free by denouncing home land citizenship and taking the Imitoran Citizenship Exam, or for a fee they can claim dual citizenship. Until they declare citizenship or dual citizenship and are granted such from the Imitoran government, students and those staying in Imitora for any length of time (work or pleasure) over two weeks are subject to random search, background checks, or investigation from IICE and IFCIB.

Those who desire to work in Imitora, in similarity to the refugee situation, are required to denounce citizenship of the nation they left, apply for the Imitoran Citizenship Exam, and then can apply for work. Foriegn work permits are granted only for private contracting work. In both cases, the non naturalized Imitoran must undergo a background check from IICE.

Once a person achieves citizenship or dual citizenship, they are allowed all rights granted to naturalized citizens.

Those who leave Imitora for 'refugee' reasons or similar matters loose their citizenship, and are designated Persona Non Grata status in Imitora. Therefore, it is in their best intrests to do their best to quickly assimilate into local culture. Those who travel abroad for visiting family, attending school, and the like, are expected to follow local and federal laws of the nation they are visiting. Those who are traveling abroad for work or economic reasons must be granted a FWP (Foreign Work Permit) from IICE, and have documentation or notice from the foreign government that the person is indeed allowed to work in said nation. Failure to do so will result in fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.

If you want to have any Ariddian citizens living in Imitora or going to school or such, then feel free. If any of them want to open up the food chain mentioned, thats cool, same with preserving their herritage, as long as said herritage doesn't violate Imitoran law.

Not surprisingly, there are not a high number of people traveling in, out, or through the Orion Sector. There are no public transports that go outside of the Sector, and private starships that travel out or in must be registered and have valid permits which are checked by the starships patrolling the border upon entrance and exit.

It is, however, far more common for there to be emigrants from one planet under Imperial control to another. Due to the fact that the Star Empire spans both open space and numerous livable planets, some incorporated into the Empire and some simply protectorates, different lifestyles and customs obviously come into play from one planet to the next. The Empire considers the lifestyle on Steel Butterfly, the capital planet-city of the Empire, to be the norm, however much of the Imperial citizens view this lifestyle as decadent, so even they disagree.

Imperial pride is somewhat unconscious as opposed to say, American pride, which is quite out in the open. Imperial citizens rarely hang Imperial flags or banners, but are also rarely against the government they live under. Enterprise and economic gain are far more important to those living in the Orion Sector than the inner-workings of their government. However, these same citizens often hang flags and banners or wear t-shirts and get tattoos of the planet they were born on or grew up in.

If you want to have any Ariddian citizens living in Imitora or going to school or such, then feel free. If any of them want to open up the food chain mentioned, thats cool, same with preserving their herritage, as long as said herritage doesn't violate Imitoran law.

There may be a tiny number of Ariddians living in Imitora, but not that many. And the kind that would emigrate to Imitora are probably not those who would be particularly attached to "traditional" Ariddian values and customs - so they wouldn't be much of a cultural presence or community. Except perhaps through Santé!.

The following excerpts are taken from the official government handbook for prospective citizens, Becoming Altanari: A Guide for the Prospective Visitor or Immigrant.

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Terminology

The following terms are useful to keep in mind when considering the process of acquiring temporary residency, permanent residency or citizenship through the Ministry of Justice, Subministry of Immigration, Naturalization and Citizenship (SINC):

SINC Basic Test: A written test in which the applicant must demonstrate a basic understanding of Altanari laws, history and cultural expectations.

SINC Intermediate Test: A written test in which the applicant must demonstrate a more in-depth understanding of Altanari laws, history and cultural expectations.

SINC Citizenship Test: A written test, with personal essay, in which the applicant must demonstrate a thorough understanding of Altanari laws, history and cultural expectations, and explain exactly why they wish to become an Altanari citizen. This test also has a verbal interview before the local SINC Citizenship Board at the local office closest to the applicant.

Standard Ministry of Justice background check: The Ministry of Justice runs a basic background check on the applicant, verifying the last five years' worth of civil and criminal history, residential history, and academic or career history of the applicant. The check also requires three references.

Enhanced Ministry of Justice background check: The Ministry of Justice runs a deeper background check on the applicant, verifying the last fifteen years' worth of civil and criminal history, residential history, and academic or career history of the applicant. This check also reviews the credit history, if any, of the applicant. The check also requires six references.

Note: Both background checks take into account the fact that many nations will not keep records of such information, or will not be willing to provide it. The background check alone will not automatically deny someone entry.

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The Process

There are two tracks that someone arriving in Altanar for the first time can enter, depending on their reasons for arriving.

Temporary residency - This track is reserved for people who visit Altanar for a set length of time but do not plan to stay permanently. The following types of visas are issued under this status:

- Educational visa: This visa is for people from other countries who wish to study at one of Altanar's colleges or universities. They are required to present a letter of acceptance from the college or university they are attending. They must also show a letter of approval for financial aid from the Ministry of Education, or prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their education and living expenses. The holder of this visa is also expected to conform to the academic progress and GPA requirements of their educational institution. Failing to do so can cause the revocation of this visa and subsequent deportation, although there is an appeals process in place. The longest this visa can be held is for seven years; if someone needs to stay longer than that to complete their education, they are expected to apply for permanent residency.

- Guest worker visa: This visa is for people from other countries who come to work in Altanar. They are required to present a letter from their employer verifying their employment, as well as pass the standard Ministry of Justice background check. The length of this visa is typically 1-3 years, dependent on the length of time the employer hires the guest worker for under contract. If the guest worker is fired, or if the guest worker's job contract ends after the specified 1-3 year period, they may face revocation of this visa and subsequent deportation unless they can find another job before the appeals process ends.

- Visitor/tourist visa: This visa is for people who are coming to Altanar just to visit or for tourism. The maximum length of time this visa can be held is 120 days. The visitor must prove that they have sufficient funds for the length of their stay.

- Emergency/refugee visa: This visa is reserved for people fleeing from other countries due to war, famine, natural disaster, or who are fleeing from oppressive or undesirable conditions at home under the "World Haven" program. This visa can be held for up to one year.

With the exception of the emergency refugee visa, all temporary residency visa applicants are required to take the SINC Basic Test. They must also pass (or be exempted from) the standard Ministry of Justice background check.

Permanent residency - Immigrants can apply for permanent residency as soon as they arrive in Altanar, or to replace one of the visas acquired under the temporary residency track (not including the visitor/tourist visa). In order to gain permanent residency, the applicant must pass (or be exempted from) the enhanced Ministry of Justice background check. They must also pass the SINC Intermediate Test.

Citizenship: Once someone has held the permanent resident status for two years, they can then apply for full Altanari citizenship. Certain benefits provided by the Altanari government, such as welfare benefits, nationalized healthcare and free tertiary education, are only offered to full citizens. In order to gain full Altanari citizenship, the applicant must pass (or be exempted from) the enhanced Ministry of Justice background check. They must also pass the SINC Citizenship Test. Anyone born in Altanar is automatically granted full citizenship, regardless of the status of the parents. Anyone born to Altanari parents is also granted full citizenship automatically, regardless of where they are born.

Once they pass all the requirements, the new citizen must officially accept citizenship at a ceremony held at their local SINC office. They must swear an oath of fealty to the Royal Family, and another oath to uphold and follow the Altanari Constitution, the Altanari Way (a complex code governing the cultural and social expectations of the land), and the laws of the land. They are then formally welcomed as full citizens of Altanar.

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Quick Facts

The following facts are important to remember concerning residency and citizenship:

- Regardless of residency status, all immigrants to Altanar are subject to Altanari law for the duration of their residency in the Kingdom. Violating Altanari laws can result in residency being revoked and/or applications for citizenship being denied. Violations can also result in the deportation of the individual who commits said crime, depending on the severity of the offense. These restrictions no longer apply once someone is approved for full citizenship, and the Kingdom does not revoke citizenship once it is granted.

- Altanar allows dual citizenship under its laws.

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The World Haven Program

Altanar has declared itself to be a haven for anyone who is seeking to leave their country of origin due to oppression, war, famine, natural disaster or other undesirable conditions. Under the World Haven Program, the Kingdom provides financial, educational and housing assistance for up to one year to qualified applicants. Those immigrants holding emergency/refugee visas may apply for assistance under the WHP. The visa holder must apply before their visa expires, but will still be eligible for up to a year of assistance, regardless of the amount of time left on the visa.
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In practice, Altanari expatriates in other countries don't tend to ghettoize themselves. They prefer to live amongst the people of the country they're in. They do, however, tend to gather for Altanari holidays and special events, as well as cultural events sponsored by the Altanari embassies in other nations. The Church of Altanar also provides a focal point for many Altanari expatriates to gather, in nations where it is allowed to set up shop. Altanari expatriates in other countries don't tend to engage in a lot of nationalist displays. They may have a t-shirt with some national symbol on it, or a little Altanari flag on their car, but that's about it. Quiet patriotism is what they tend to engage in abroad, much as they do at home. People in Altanar itself don't expect immigrants to Altanar to completely abandon their old culture or national ways, but they do expect them to have an appreciation and understanding of the Altanari culture and way of doing things. Ideally, both cultures share and evolve through immigration.

As for Ariddian expatriates, I'd probably say that 1% to 2% would probably be a safe number to figure would be in Altanar. As far as how many Altanari expatriates would be in Ariddia, I'd estimate maybe 1%, but that would be more your call...

As for Ariddian expatriates, I'd probably say that 1% to 2% would probably be a safe number to figure would be in Altanar. As far as how many Altanari expatriates would be in Ariddia, I'd estimate maybe 1%, but that would be more your call...

Altanar could be seen as a good destination for at least some Ariddians, yes. Both figures are fine.

The Democratic Constitutional Monarchy of the Secular Empire of Maraque has fairly lax emigration policies, and as such the country has benefited greatly from its vast multicultural society that it is today.

For example, the capital - Super City - is home to the largest immigrant populations in the entire empire. According to the latest census report, 66% of Super City's population is foreign born, and 74% of Super City residents speak three or more languages.

As well, Super City is immensely popular among the religious of our society - it is the spot for the largest Jewish community outside of Israel or New York, and is also the location of the largest mosque in the world. As well, the most sacred and holiest landmark in all of the Secular Empire - the Kingdom Gardens Shrine - is located in the city center on the Grand Imperial Palace grounds.

Most of our migrants come from the coastal United States; namely California and New York. Our largest immigration population is Japanese-Americans, followed by African-Americans and Mexican-Americans. Out of those, many of them fled the United States after the results of the 2008 elections erupted into scandel and fraud, which made many seek refuge from the civil war the following year.

Today, Maraquean culture and society could not clearly be defined. It is different in each part of the country you may go, so no two people will even remotely give you the same answer. All that is certain is nearly every single citizen lives in massive urban environments similar to New York, London, Paris, and Dubai. Rural or suburban lifestyles in Maraque are therefore very strange to the locals, and many even deny that such lifestyles exist in Maraque at all.

In the capital, there are hundreds of thousands of ethnic-specific neigborhoods, each with their own identity and culture that you could walk into China Town to grab a bite to eat, then take a stroll through Liberia Street in the predominantly African neighborhood of Little Lagos and feel like you're in a completely different city. But at the same time, these neigborhoods aren't all exclusively one ethnic background; it is not uncommon to see someone of European descent living in Little Lagos or someone of African descent residing in German Town.

Concerning the procedures one must go through to become a citizen, it is quite simple: Before you enter the country you must call our Immigration Ministry and set up an appointment with one of the advisors there who will contact you within the next week to speak with you about your reasons for wanting to become a citizen, as well as ask you questons to fill out your application over the phone.

After your initial phone interview is over, and your application is complete all your information will be processed into the national database and all the information will be double checked by the respective government, and once all is found to be truthful you will receive your confirmation by E-mail or phone call. Once that is over, a representative from Maraque will fly in to meet you in person to discuss your plans for visiting once again, and then take your photo and give you a temporary ID card which will grant you access to the country until you finally arrive, at which point in time you will receive your permanent residency card.

It doesn't stop there; once you are in the country and received your permanent residency card, you will have to submit to a test to determine if you are knowledgable in the country you are planning to permanently reside in. These subjects include History, Laws, Culture, Society, and System of Government. Each section has 50 questions, and you must get 45 out of 50 in each question to pass the test. If you are unable to pass the test, you will have to submit to free educational courses at our Immigration Ministry Educational Facilities and then re-take the test when you "graduate" from this program. If you are unable to pass the test after the courses, you will still be able to live in the country, you just will not receive the benefits of a full citizen; the only legal right you will have as a partial citizen is the right to vote, but educaton, healthcare, and all other government-regulated areas of benefit will not be free until you are a full citizen.

Xanthal's citizenship policy is simple: if you're a permanent resident of the country and you don't have citizenship elsewhere, you're a citizen.

People immigrate to Xanthal for any number of reasons. To visit family or take a vacation, for student exchange programs, or for economic, political, or personal reasons. Xanthal gets a lot of refugees because of its liberal definition of the term "person" and a social system that makes it easy for newcomers to get back on their feet. However, citizens and visitors alike are expected to adhere to Xanthalian laws, and can be tried in Xanthalian courts. Xanthal doesn't grant asylum, so people who are considered criminals elsewhere (as long as the claim of the other state is reasonable and ligitimate), so there are safer places to go if one is likely to find themselves pursued by their old government.

Emmigration from Xanthal can be for all the same reasons: to be with family or friends, to get a foreign education (though this is quite rare outside exchange programs, due to the high quality of Xanthalian schools), to live in a more capitalist society, or as an objection to the Xanthalian government. Xanthal typically generates about one thousand emmigrants annually who are granted refugee status by recieving countries. These include normal immigrants that are classified as refugees by recieving governments unfriendly to the Xanthalian government as well as political and non-political criminals who avoid re-education or execution by finding a sympathetic country to take them. The most common political crimes are disseminating false information through public media, inciting violence or rebellion, asserting precedence of religious doctrine, and conspiring with the insurgency. These account for approximately 500 emmigrations annually.

In practice, all Archregimancy citizens are in fact expatriates by necessity as there are no women in the nation. But as only male Orthodox Christians in Holy Orders may become members of an Archregimancy monastery, this places obvious limits on the nations from which Archregimancy citizens originate.

The Holy Monastic Republic of the Archregimancy welcomes citizens of all nations within its borders provided that:

A) They are male Orthodox Christians.

B) They become citizens of the Archregimancy upon becoming members of one of the Holy Monastic Republic's constituent monasteries or sketes (note that even hermits and anchorites are at least technically members of a monastery). Dual citizenship is actively encouraged.

The overwhelming majority of Archregimancy citizens are from the Holy Empire [of Alasdair I Frosticus], though there are known to be individuals from other fully or partially Orthodox nations such as New Montreal States, Magnus Valerius, the Lowland Clans, Bazalonia, etc. A Fr. Iosephus, currently undergoing a lonely sin-cleansing vigil in the far arctic wastes of the Archregimancy is believed to have come from Wentland.

Temporary lay visitors may also be found within the Archregimancy, though the majority of these are on visits of a week or less, and the number of non-Orthodox lay visitors is tightly controlled.

There is normally a strict ban on the entry of women to the Archregimancy, though exceptions have been made in a limited number of closely controlled cases, most of which relate to the Archregimancy's participation in international sporting competition.

It is extremely unusual to find Archregimancy citizens living outside the Archregimancy. Once a decision has been made to embrace the monastic life, few leave. Those that renounce monasticism and leave the Archregimancy also renounce their citizenship. That said, a small number of Archregimancy monks may be found engaging in missionary work in non-Orthodox nations, or engaging in trans-jurisdictional diplomatic work between various autocephalous Orthodox churches. Many of the priests of the Orthodox Church of the Holy Empire also retain dual citizenship after returning to the Holy Empire to fulfill their vocation, but since the Holy Empire is closed to outsiders, this is somewhat of a moot point for the present discussion.

ooc: Travel to Vrak is fairly strict. Other Klatchian states have freedom of movement within Vrak but can be subject to random stops. Nations that are friendly towards Vrak likely have citizens coming to and fro but again, random stops. Likely many KIST and TNA members might have citizens travelling through - although some are more scrutinized than others and, depending on diplomatic relations, can be restricted or barred from entry. Nations we haven't heard about may not have citizens in Vrak at all. Some nations are absolutely barred from entering Vrak altogether and if their citizens are caught will be either forcibly returned after an intense interrogation or tossed into the recycling vats. RP wise, never assume anything.

There are no laws keeping Commonwealth citizens in the Commonwealth. They are free to travel or to emmigrate or to reside permanently in any country where local law allows them to do so unless they are bound by voluntarily signed agreements arising from work on a classified project of some kind. So basically Commonwealth citizens can go anywhere that allows them in. However, they only tend to emmigrate for economic reasons and few to none feel a need to request asylum. Generally speaking, Commonwealth expatriates can be found living in most liberal democracies with whom the Commonwealth trades for economic reasons. They will normally only become citizens, however, if they wind up marrying locally.

Immigration laws to the Commonwealth are fairly complex but most people with no criminal record and a realistic ability and willingness to be a productive member of society, with family in the Commonwealth or with a legitimate asylum claim can become citizens.

In other words, feel free to assume that some of your nationals are either permanent residents or naturalized citizens of the Commonwealth. Likewise feel free to assume that a small number of Commonwealth nationals are either permanent residents or citizens by reason of marriage in your nation, provided you are a liberal democratic state or a close approximation thereof.

Zwangzug's immigration and emigration laws are quite loose. Merano especially is relatively apathetic towards "whatever country it's in anyway", so it embraces people of all nationalities. The nation admires progressive countries such as Ariddia and Errinundera, so their residents are welcomed.

(OOC: I got the "Refugees want to call @@NATION@@ home" issue today. And chose option one.)

Zwangzug is the kind of country Ariddians might indeed want to move to.

What about expatriates from Zwangzug?

They would probably be more conservative or pro-economy, hoping to stand on their own two feet rather than be treated equally with everyone else. Refugees would probably be fleeing Bangkok: either for their lives or because the government got their act together long enough to punish them. Considering the Bangkok government, the former is more likely, though such people would probably go to other parts of the country. The religious might also look for places with more tolerance.

Zwangzug expatriates can keep in contact through advanced online media.

Schiavonia's immigration policy is based on the native people's niceness. Simply, all are welcome, but if you do not live up to the friendly nature of the locals, then you shall be thrown out.

As for different nationalities in Schiavonia, the main immigrant populations are from Rejistania, System Karela, Anastasiania and Pacitalia. However, there are small groups of lots of nationalities.

OOC: All are welcome to have people in my nation, legal or illegal. Just tell me number-wise how many there are.

The Hypocrisy, being the rather arrogant and hedonistic society it is, has few restrictions on immigration, simply because it believes that its society and values are highly desirable to everyone - and who would refuse those who adore you and want to become like you (There is the problem that this philosophy isn't entirely verified by reality, but hey...)?

However, non-citizens may be refused citizenship and/ or residence if one


has committed deeds that count as 'Crimes' within the mainstream- Hypocrisy
follows a belief system fundamentally opposed to the values of the mainstream-Hypocrisy


The first doesn't usually apply to 'Political' crimes - quite the opposite, as political activists can usually hope that the Hypocrisy grants them shelter (So long as they don't fall under #2, that is). However, more 'Common' crimes - I.e. (Attempted) murder - usually fall under this restriction (Minor cases of theft, however, don't - it's generally considered a gentleman's crime).

The second point applies primarily to people who openly spout nonsense along the lines of racism, religious fundamentalism, the likes. The Hypocrisy does of course allow - as a matter of fact, one could almost call it 'Worship' - free speech, but while it accepts its own citizens spouting this kind of nonsense, the sapients in charge see little reason to artificially increase the number of nutjobs.

It is worth noting that both restrictions are highly theoretical - the privacy of one's thoughts and memories is generally respected, which makes actually finding such individuals difficult, assuming that they pay a mediocre degree of attention to concealing such things and/ or entering via less-than-common means.

Entering the Hypocrisy is fairly simple - one travels there, goes through (Admittedly rather thorough, and in the extend they're pulled possibly illegal abroad - but the prevalence of explosives fitting in one's handbag and featuring kt+ yields raises certain concerns) security, and that's it. Visa aren't required, and neither are passports/ identity cards/ chips (Though they do make life a lot easier - after all, having an identity is generally a good idea).

Acquiring citizenship is similarly easy - one declares oneself a citizen, and if accepted by one of many committees dealing with this kind of issue, one is one (This does, incidentally, lead to the occasional case where the system is abused, but nothing's ever perfect - however, the number of committees also leads itself to a rather large number of appeals if one or several of them refuse to accept, which balances the issue, and explains a part of the Hypocrisy's truly breathtaking bureaucracy). Physically residing within the Hypocrisy's political borders is not required, and multiple citizenships - though generally considered 'Inappropriate' - are acceptable.

Emigration is just as simple - the Hypocrisy doesn't mind anyone leaving its territory, nor renouncing citizenship.

However, once more, a mediocre degree of security is kept - with aforementioned modern explosives, and the relatively high average degree of augmentation featured in the population, this is necessary in order to prevent minor catastrophes in the middle of nowhere. Of course, it is rather difficult to actually keep track of people's movements once they've left the Hypocrisy (And to a lesser extend, while they're still within the Hypocrisy's physical borders), and as such, these measures tend to lack in efficiency - still, it's worth trying.

Reasons for migration can vary widely - from student exchanges, over fleeing unfortunate political and/ or economic situations (Both of which apply both ways), to simple 'I want to see something different' lines of thought. A special case is 'Forced' emigration - the Hypocrisy lacks prisons, and in the case of the occasional homicidal maniac et al, generally offers the options a) treatment (Might include personality changes), b) preventive guard (Subsapient drone following the object around and preventing a repeat of the 'Crime') and c) emigration (To a place where such behaviour is considered acceptable. Of course, doing so generally involves the object to risk its own life as there's lots of people like it - or even worse).

One minor note - while the Hypocrisy's arrogance/ full-of-itself-ness generally leads to it being very open to immigration, it is more than just mildly disapproving of immigrants keeping their own way of life - again, the mainstream-Hypocrisy's way of life, its values and ideas are generally considered highly desirable, and people refusing them (After moving to the Hypocrisy, no less) are considered... odd. This isn't to say that migrants that choose to do se so are persecuted - subcultures within the Hypocrisy are common and - if embedded within the mainstream society - even encouraged, however, considering the Hypocrisy to be positively multicultural would be rather far off the truth.

For centuries, Rozonia was isolationist, with no immigration or emmigration to speak of. In recent years, they've been importing people from other nations as workers, especially miners. These workers cannot become citizens, but if they marry a Rozonian their children will be full Rozonians.

Some Rozonians also leave to live or work in other countries. However they often have trouble integrating with other cultures, especially those who allow women in positions of influence. Also, Rozonians have a bad reputation abroad because a number of criminals and malcontents go to nations with laxer laws.

OOC: All are welcome to have people in my nation, legal or illegal. Just tell me number-wise how many there are.

OOC:
There are probably at least some Ariddians in Maraque (almost all legal), but they'd be quite a smallish community I think.

Der Angst being FT, it exists in a different plane of the multiverse from Ariddia, and few if any Ariddians would have found their way there. And Rozonia's political and socio-economic system would make it unappealing to virtually all Ariddians.

By the way, those of you who take part in the World Cup, if you'd like one of your players to be Ariddian-born (or the child of an Ariddian immigrant), just let me know and I'll tell you whether (and under what circumstances) an Ariddian may have moved to your nation.

OOC:

There are three kinds of immigrants into Allanea.

Citizenship applicants: Those who for some reason are allowed to apply for citizenship. Ulness they have refugee status, they have to pass longish 8-hour psychological tests to determine if they could 'fit in'.

Legal non-citizen migrants: What-have-you. Tourists and temporary workers with legal visas or passports if from an allied nation.

Illegal immigrants: The principle is simple. If you come to the border peacefully with your papers, we'll let you in. If you try to just leg it into Allanea, well, there are landmines and attack dogs and machineguns adn stuffs.

OOC:

There are three kinds of immigrants into Allanea.


What about people emigrating from Allanea?

OOC: There's, then, three kinds of people migrating from Allanea:

1. People who move temporarily, for jobs with Allanean or foreign corporations abroad. Given my different companies have an RPed presence in over 80 nations... must be plenty of those.

2. People who leave for ideological reasons... kind of obvious. Living in a Neolibertarian nation is not for everyone.

3. Terrorists/freedom fighters: There are Allaneans, normally young, that willngly go and enlist themselves in a variety of liberal causes - rebellions against oppressive government, civil wars, anti-communist militias, assassinations of 'tyrants' and so forth.

Feel free having these in your resident guerilla unit.

Az-cz, being a society builit on openness and the greater good, gladly welcomes foreigners. We also are willing to let our citizens move freely about the world as they see fit. Of course as a society that encourages it's citizens to enforce the common good through whatever non-violent methods they have available to them, especially theivery, most Az-czzers best function in societies that take care of their citizens. Similarly since people who try to horde wealth in Az-cz will quickly find their possessions stolen from them, not all people are cut out for life in Az-cz. But those that want to come we are happy to have them.

Based on what I know about Ariddia, it seems like our two countries might get along quite well, and it wouldn't suprise me if there was a decent population of Ariddians in Az-cz.

Based on what I know about Ariddia, it seems like our two countries might get along quite well, and it wouldn't suprise me if there was a decent population of Ariddians in Az-cz.

Yes, I think that's quite probable.

Well, er, http://kelssek.tripod.com/cik/

Kelssek is extremely lax with immigration. There are basically two reasons people would come: the usual economic opportunities/quality of life reasons that make most developed countries attractive, and for the cool factor from the perception of Kelssek as a hedonistic avant-garde cultural haven where cops smoke pot, you can have sex in a public park, "working late" is staying in the office past 5pm (4pm on Friday), and where artistic creation oozes from every crevice. At the same time, the air is clean and the wilderness pristine. You have two cows. The government takes one on the 1st as tax and gives it back on the 15th as a welfare payment or tax incentive of some kind.

So we have lots of tourists, especially young ones. And our universities are full of international students seeking a prestigious education just as with any other developed country, but a lot of them are also aspiring artists or athletes for whom taking it to the next, more serious level is difficult or impossible in their home cultures which may want them to be bankers, doctors, lawyers or scientists instead.

As you'll see on the website we let refugees in for basically any reason. In particular, for political reasons, or if they're going to be forced into the military. Kelssek has a multicultural policy but integration is encouraged through voluntary programs to help immigrants form links with the local communities they've moved into.

Citizenship can be claimed by being born in Kelssek (which includes being born on a Kelssek-registered ship or aircraft, say on a Kelssek Pacific flight) or if one of your parents is a citizen at the time of your birth. Otherwise, the naturalisation period is three years. We recently got rid of the citizenship test, only "adequate knowledge" of either of the official languages (English or French) is required. Dual citizenship is allowed, but if you are in another country which you have citizenship in, the government is not obligated to attempt to extradite you - there is an obligation in the case of the death penalty or crimes which are not crimes in Kelssek, like using drugs or sodomy.

I'm sure there'd be a lot of immigration both ways with Ariddia. Those coming here probably want a socialist country which is slightly less socialist, or just want to have some meat. ;)

I'm sure there'd be a lot of immigration both ways with Ariddia. Those coming here probably want a socialist country which is slightly less socialist, or just want to have some meat. ;)

All possible reasons, yes. ;)

Especially since there wouldn't be a language problem even for francophones.

To slow an evergrowing population, Immigration laws are very tight. If you were an Immigrant no matter where from, you are immediatly sent (Customs will find you in our waters) to La Lapo`z, a small island to the north of San Monticaz, which can hold thousands of people.

From here, you will be "checked in" to the immigration center where you must wait a total period of 8 weeks while we locate your criminal records, medical records, past history & a few other things. If we cannot locate such files, you will remain on the island for a furthur 12 weeks, while customs approves/doesn't approve of allowing you in.

Despite large efforts to slow the stream of immigrants, annually thousands arrive on the islands on the North West of San Monticaz, which since 1956, have been disputed by Communist San Monticans. The islands have seen over 100,000 people killed on either side. These islands are part of San Monticaz, but Communist influenced immigrants you could say, want these islands for themselves.

OOC:
There are probably at least some Ariddians in Maraque (almost all legal), but they'd be quite a smallish community I think.OOC: In Maraque "small" communities aren't really small in normal standards. In Maraquean standards a community is "small" when the town consists of less than 316,000 residents, because the vast majority (more than 98%) of Maraqueans live in enormnous mega cities of 40-80 million people, so their perception of small is quite distorted.

So I guess it would be safe to say that there are 105,333 Arridians in Maraque, 78,999 of which are legal and 26,334 illegal?

Ariddia and Errinundera have had excellent relations now for many years. The countries share many values and have regular sporting, academic and diplomatic exchanges.

We place no restrictions on movements within Errinundera or across our borders. Nor are anybody's movements tracked. That means that people are free to come and go as they please.

However, there are practical considerations. Errinundera is landlocked and there are no airports. The only way in is by parachute or by crossing the border from a neighbouring country. Accordingly, visitors to Errinundera will probably need to meet the visa requirements of those neighbouring nations. That said, most of the nations of the Forest region are obliging so obtaining travel permits from them is not difficult. The usual method is to depart from Carboni in the north, then enter Errinundera by riverboat via the Snowy River.

Many people are deterred from visiting Errinundera because of its impolded economy and its reputation as being unsafe. You can judge that for yourself.

Errinundrians are not motivated by material desires. Furthermore they have a very strong attachment to their forests. They do not like to spend time away unless the destination is ideologically and aesthetically exceptional. Ariddia meets those criteria.

I am sure there are substantial ex-patriot communities in both Ariddia and Errinundera. I would imagine that, in Ariddia, Errinundrians would be most likely found in Rêvane, particularly near the university, and on the island of Ahwa'u, because of the ubhashinim Ahwa'u Stadium and Errinundera's fascination with the sea.

I would also imagine that Ariddians are most likely to be found in those places in Errinundera where universities have particular interest to them: First Creek Falls (politics, diplomacy and law), McKillops Bridge (law, science and engineering), Goonmirk Rocks (Botany), Rooty Break (humanities), Goongerah (environment and ecology), Goolengook (politics), Mount Ellery (law, science and engineering), Ellery Camp (sports science) and Bonang (agriculture, medicine and economics).

Of course the great footballing centres would have their attraction: McKillops Bridge, First Creek Falls, Ellery Camp with the National Football Academy, and Bonang.

Finally, First Creek Falls and McKillops Bridge are extraordinarily beautiful cities: one with its spectacular falls and tree city; the other with its ancient red granite architecture and glorious bridge.

OOC:
So I guess it would be safe to say that there are 105,333 Arridians in Maraque, 78,999 of which are legal and 26,334 illegal?

OOC: That seems reasonable, yes.


I would imagine that, in Ariddia, Errinundrians would be most likely found in Rêvane, particularly near the university, and on the island of Ahwa'u, because of the ubhashinim Ahwa'u Stadium and Errinundera's fascination with the sea.

Ariddia has nineteen islands, some of them a lot smaller than Ahwa'u. So, more sea all around.

The PDSRA has 13 universities, including 5 in Rêvane and 3 in Cité-Belle. Those two cities have the most university-related activity and lifestyle.

Ariddians would like more or less all parts of Errinundera, I think. But yes, mostly those you listed.

It is easy to come to Callisdrun as a tourist. All one needs is a passport, really (one's own passport, of course, not someone else's). Tourism is actively encouraged, since it helps Callisdrun's economy and international profile and prestige. Tourists, like everyone else, are expected not to break the law.

There are several ways of coming to Callisdrun for a longer time period or for reasons other than tourism.

Student Visa: Since Callisdrun's education system and especially its universities are a top priority of the government, there are quite a few foreign students in its schools of various levels. Getting a student visa is fairly easy, one just has to prove that one has been accepted to whichever school and all that. If one drops out or flunks out, the visa expires and the former student is required to leave. This doesn't happen too often.

Temporary work visa: This is issued to those who come to Callisdrun on business for a short period of time (less than a year). Often handled by the employer, since their confirmation is necessary anyway. If one leaves employment with the company whose confirmation was on the visa, it expires.

Long-term work visa: As the name suggests, this is the visa for those who must reside in Callisdrun as part of their job for a more lengthy period of time. This must be renewed every two years and has the same expiration conditions as the temporary work visa.

Asylum: Asylum may be granted for up to five years for those fleeing from oppression/persecution, etc. When this expires, people with it are usually granted some leeway while they look for somewhere else safe to go. Often they become citizens, however. Under some conditions, such as waiting for citizenship paperwork to come through, asylum seekers may reapply for another five years.

Which brings us to...

Permenant immigration: If one wishes to reside permenantly in Callisdrun (unless being kept there permenantly by one's employer through continued Long-term work visa renewals), one must apply for Callisdrunian citizenship. There is a requirement that applicants must reside in Callisdrun legally for four years before they can become citizens (if one holds none of the above visas, one can apply to live in the country legally as part of the citizenship application). This requirement is sometimes waived. There is a citizenship test, mostly having to do with the history, laws, and culture of Callisdrun. The test is given only in Callisdrunian. If the test is passed and the residency requirement fulfilled, prospective citizens must first renounce citizenship in whatever other countries they hold it in. There is no such thing as dual Callisdrunian citizenship. Upon becoming a citizen, one must serve in the military. This may sound harsh, but all natural born citizens have to do it at some point as well. This requirement may be waived for the elderly and those suffering from a chronic debilitating illness. Those too young at the time to serve will be expected to serve when they come of age, just like all other Callisdrunian citizens. Learning Callisdrunian language is seen as a matter of course (as one wouldn't even be able to take the test without knowing it). Unfortunately for would-be citizens, it is an extremely difficult language to learn, as it makes little grammatical or spelling sense, and then there's the fact that it uses a different alphabet (runic).

One does not gain citizenship in Callisdrun simply by being born there. One's parents must be there legally, and be citizens. Citizenship will be offered to those born in Callisdrun to legal non-citizen parents when they come of age.

Why it's a bad idea to attempt entering the country illegally: Callisdrun, because of a history of being hated by its neighbors and numerous attempts to destroy its people, is fairly paranoid. The only land borders are with two anarchies (not in the happy utopian way, more like the various factions killing people for power and in a constant civil war with more than two dozen sides way), that when they still had governments were bitter enemies of Callisdrun. Anyone trying to enter the country covertly is assumed to be a foreign agent of some type and shot at. If one does make it in, but one is found to be in the country illegally, or not who one says one is, the result is being dumped in one of said anarchies, alone, with no provisions.

Callisdrun does not have much bilingualism in its signs and official documents. The only languages used much besides Callisdrunian are English and to a lesser extent, German. It should be noted that to purchase real estate in Callisdrun, must one be a Callisdrunian citizen. Non-citizens can only rent or lease real estate. Non-citizens, however, still have the same rights concerning speech and rights in the trial and judicial process.

Why one might not even want to immigrate to Callisdrun: It's not a land for everyone. Certain groups might find the country distasteful, even offensive. First of all, it is very cold. Its winter storms are infamous. And the summer temperatures only reach 60 Fahrenheit or so. Secondly, it's dark. During the winter, the sun doesn't really rise, and during the summer, it's often obscured by rain clouds. Obviously, it's a bit wet as well.

Culturally, if one is offended by moroii (a type of vampire), paganism, public nudity (only really seen on the warmer days of summer and at swimming pools), environmentalism, tattoos/paint/piercings (Callisdrunians have a long history of 'decorating' their bodies) and fairly open sexuality, Callisdrun might not even be a good place to visit. Likewise, if one could not live in a state that is a constitutional monarchy and practices social democracy, where genders have equal rights, as do heterosexuals and homosexuals, and there are only considered to be two "races" of humans (moroii and everyone else), Callisdrun might not be the right place. Otherwise, one will probably have a great time.

Emigration from Callisdrun: This can be for several reasons. Students often study abroad, Callisdrunians sometimes need to travel for work, and Callisdrunians like to see the world and visit foreign lands. None of these are really considered true emigration by Callisdrunians though.

Some Callisdrunians leave, for a variety of reasons, usually dislike for something mentioned above. Though, sometimes they just get fascinated with foreign cultures. They tend not to go for places with very hot climates, since that would be unbearable for most of them. Ones fascinated with other cultures also tend not to go to oppressive dictatorships, due to Callisdrunians being used to quite a lot of freedom. Generally, if they were pagans to start with (not all Callisdrunians are, just the vast majority), they will stay that way. Moroii tend to travel a lot, but not take up permanant residence in other countries as much. Callisdrunians will generally continue to refuse to bow to anything or anyone. They will, however, try their very best to become fluent in the language of wherever they are living. Often, they will adopt many customs of their new country, but keep some from their old (matrilineal surnames, family structure, first generations will continue to behave the same way, so female Callisdrunian expatriates might sometimes be considered very.. forward).

Callisdrun does not prevent its citizens from leaving, they can go wherever they'd like. However, when a citizen gains a citizenship in a new country, their citizenship in Callisdrun becomes null and void.

As far as numbers of Ariddians in Callisdrun, I don't know. They're your people, I suppose it depends whether they'd like it in Callisdrun or not. Whether Callisdrunians would like it in Ariddia depends on the climate and politics really. The mention of body-paint suggests they'd find the culture to their liking.

Immigration

Students
The bulk of immigrants into the ESF are those seeking education in one of the countries' esatblished universities. A fair majority of these individuals find the life style of the elves to be appealing, and decide to stay after their studies are done.

Refugees
The ESF hosts a small number of refugees who have fled from the other more war mongering nations of their regions. They are granted a year to live in the country without citizenship, and will be deported at the conclusion of that session if they do not become a ESF citizen. Aquiring citizenship requires a thorough back ground check to ensure that future citizen has no likelyhood of causing mayhem in the country and the conversion to Elunism or some other religion that does not support dieties.

Ideological migrants
Attracted to the ESF by the way of life of the elves. The ESF also has many it's international players in their domestic leagues who seek a home in the country and eventually settle their.

Emmigrants

Students
A minute portion of the student body travel abroad for the education, trying to see how other species and societies operate.

Sports
Like the ESF does with international athletes in their leagues, some of the ESF stars abroad settle down in the countries they go to play in. Most return home to their friends and family after their contracts are up however.

Other
Those elves that can't seem to quite understand the fanataicism the rest of the country has with football or who have merely grown tired of the country find themselves wandering about, searching to settle into a more economy-centric nation.

As far as numbers of Ariddians in Callisdrun, I don't know. They're your people, I suppose it depends whether they'd like it in Callisdrun or not.


Callisdrunian culture would seem appealing and fairly familiar to Ariddians. The climate would be very different, but they could get used to that. What would be offputting to many, though, would be the compulsory military service, loss of Ariddian citizenship, and Callisdrun's extremely harsh policy towards illegal immigrants (actively putting them in harm's way). So the number of Ariddians in Callisdrun would probably be quite small.


Whether Callisdrunians would like it in Ariddia depends on the climate and politics really. The mention of body-paint suggests they'd find the culture to their liking.

The climate is between temperate and tropical. Warm, often hot, and humid. The politics are fully democratic, dominated by socialists, and civil rights are excellent. Body paint is part of Indigenous (Wymgani) culture (and not in all parts of the country), but in some ways it is considered part of Ariddian culture as a whole.

Imigration into Bazalonia..

Temporary Visas are fairly easily to get, all people coming into Bazalonian are given a quick run down in Bazalonian law and culture by a cool coloured Pamplet. PArticularily for any international sporting events occuring in Bazalonia

Permanent Visas are harder to get, and require thourough background check, any thing in regards to "major crimes" such as drugs, murder that sort of thing requires interviews with the person and clarification from law enforcement should any be available. Further interviews determine why people want to come to Bazalonia (why wouldn't they?)

The decision is upto officials to determine if they are a security risk and that is pretty much the only criteria. Should Visas be granted they are strongly encorage to understand the laws and culture of Bazalonia and aid is provided by the government to help that.

Once a permanent visa has been granted they are considered as Bazalonian Residents, while they don't have legal right to vote or participate in the political process or military. They are afforded pretty much every right and resoponsibility as a citizen. After 15 years should it be desired they can apply for Bazalonian citizenship in which a written test is administered about basic culture and laws in Bazalonia which they should be able to assimiliate in that time and after which they are full citizens



Emmigration

Bazalonians have been known to turn up in weird locations, either just as tourists or for longer term residents. Bazalonians are known for their polite and welcoming nature and no matter in what country they are in or how long they are there. There is something that still says "I'm Bazalonian" about them while also fitting in to whereever they fit.

There would be some in Arridia but not many.

OOC: Just to clear something up... The Archregimancy said about Bazalonia being an Orthodox nation.. Not technically true. While being moderate christian The Orthodox church is active in Bazalonia but is by no means the only church or even the largest in Bazalonia. Religion is a personal matter which the government supports but recognises it is an individual thing,

Emigration from Iansisle

The Constitution of 1954, among other rights, guarantees all citizens “the freedom of movement within and without the Republic.” However, the Justice Directorate, cooperating with the Department of Transportation and the Admiralty, has been known to delay departures and even stop ships at sea to remove “suspected reactionary anti-republicans” attempting to “spread falsehoods and counterrevolution in foreign courts.” Indeed, the royal family -- composed of the infant-king Ian VIII, the Princess Regent, the Queen Mother, and the Princess Alice, who were indicted under the same warrant as the regicided King James III -- had to be smuggled out of Iansisle to the Valinor embassy in Knootoss by way of a stolen East Gallagaman which managed to elude naval pursuit.

A community of émigré noblemen, who (quite as the Assembly feared they would) spend most of their time agitating foreign monarchs to crush the Republic by military might and restore the ancien régime. Most émigrés are concentrated around the court-in-exile in Valinon, although sizable communities also exist in Magnus Valerius, Excalbia, and Larkinia.

The largest Iansislean communities are, quite naturally, located in Gallaga and the other colonies of the Republic. A paternalistic imperialist power, the Gull Flag Republic views it as its “God-given duty” to help “civilize” the “childlike savages” of those places unfortunate enough to find themselves under Iansislean rule and “make them ready to accept Democracy and our natural sense of fair-play” so that one day “Iansisle can be the center of a thoroughly civil and prosperous network of States sharing in traditional Shieldian values and freedoms.”

Of course, the native populations think themselves quite civilized enough, thank you, and note that Iansislean plans represent the complete suppression of their native culture, often through violent means. In the battle between these competing points of view, the Iansislean expatriate community in Gallaga numbers in the millions: the administrators and civil officials, archeologists and anthropologists, translators and merchants, and, of course, the hundred and fifty thousand Iansislean soldiers needed to disarm mutinous sepoy regiments and generally prop up the power and prestige of the teetering Raj. The situation is similar across Dianatran and Iansisle’s other colonies.

Other significant expatriate communities exist in Larkinia, Tanah Burung, Walmington on Sea and Lunatic Retard Robots, because of the historic links between these countries both politically and commercially. Some Iansislean presence, often small and unorganized, can be found in virtually any open anglophonic country and occasionally in places where they speak (*gasp*) foreign languages.

Immigration to Iansisle

The Republic has never officially closed its borders or restricted the very loose immigration laws of the Empire, but nonetheless many looking to enter the country have found it much more difficult than in times past. With the threat from domestic terrorists strong -- and considering the foreign wars which are constantly shoved upon it -- the Republic prefers to keep potential reactionaries at as far a distance as possible. If this means making the acquisition of citizenship or temporary visas as difficult as possible, whatever must be done to safeguard the Revolution will be done.

There is little immigration into Iansisle from modern, industrialized countries. Most immigrant communities come from the colonies or the former states of the Commonwealth, who migrated to the Shield in the hopes of finding work and money for their families in the booming industrial centers. However, as hyper inflation, famine, and depression continues to dominate the economic landscape, many native Shieldian groups (inspired by the latent xenophobia ingrained in them) have turned against these communities. Attacks on Tharian, Gallagan, and Dianatranian enclaves have caused far more death and destruction in recent years than any royalist terrorism, but are often tolerated -- and rarely even encouraged -- by law enforcement authorities.

There are, of course, also small economic representations from those companies which (even forewarned of the Jameston government’s propensity for nationalization) still do business on the Shield. Wychwood and Stockley, the great Walmingtonian automobile giants, are foremost among these.

An Out-of-Character Note on Multiculturalism in Iansisle

Iansisle is a decidedly xenophobic place, all the more so recently with the economic downturn, dominated by racism, sexism, homophobia, radical humanism, and anti-royalism. Combined with the (somewhat hyperbolic) sense that learning a foreign language is a type of treason, Iansisle is not the sort of place many people would want to live in unless they were a native citizen. However, I am open to having ethnic enclaves from virtually anywhere -- just let me know and we’ll retcon something up =).

By the way, those of you who take part in the World Cup, if you'd like one of your players to be Ariddian-born (or the child of an Ariddian immigrant), just let me know and I'll tell you whether (and under what circumstances) an Ariddian may have moved to your nation.

The Archregimancy - as will be made public in an announcement at the outset of World Cup 33 - will soon be actively recruiting foreign born Orthodox, or potential converts, to the nation's football program.

While recognising that Orthodoxy is not a major force in Ariddia, any eligible Ariddians willing to participate in the Orthodox monastic life would be welcome to participate in this recruitment drive.

[OOC - this applies to other nations too, though you have to be prepared to wrap your head around a nation of Orthodox Christian monks, closely modelled on Mount Athos, that enters those same monks into international sporting events]

The Divine Celestial Federation is not in charge of immigration, anyone else immigrating to Tannelorn, must go through the four individual nations. Immigration to the Divine Kingdom leaves you in a foreigner status, very distinct from the population, in the Prefecture its much more lasse faire, however you still must become Tannelornian, democratic, speak the language and learn the religion. Inside the Republic, you must become a citizen of the Republic, your old culture goes, you must become Tannelornian much like Ancient china. If you want to be Tannelornian, you must become Tannelornian.

The Grahfsberg Federation allows no non allied immigration.

The Archregimancy - as will be made public in an announcement at the outset of World Cup 33 - will soon be actively recruiting foreign born Orthodox, or potential converts, to the nation's football program.

While recognising that Orthodoxy is not a major force in Ariddia, any eligible Ariddians willing to participate in the Orthodox monastic life would be welcome to participate in this recruitment drive.


OOC:
Ariddia currently has one Orthodox player, Giorgos Charisteas (midfield, #7), but since he's played for Ariddia he can't transfer to another nation. There may be one or two Orthdox Ariddians, or potential converts, who play football and would consider playing for the Archregimancy, however.

Lodging Laws in The Disputed Territories of Interdependia

Entering The Disputed Territories of Interdependia without a permit formally known as an 'entrance permit' is illegal. Of course, citizens of The Disputed Territories of Interdependia are entitled to travel between any of the disputed areas freely without permits, by agreement with those individual states. The Disputed Territories of Interdependia actually belong to the General Council of Interdependiate States owned and operated by the disputed territories, much like the real European Union except with unique diplomatic arrangements.


For foreigners without a permit, the following applies:
A permit may be obtained on arrival, a blood and urine test are conducted at any of our authorized in/out ports and any illegal substances and health problems are identified. At this point, you will be quarantined for 48 hours if a problem is found, otherwise you will be able to complete your visit, which should not exceed 1 month, (a 1 month extension can be purchased from the House of Brethren)

Any visitor found by our security personnel posing a national threat will be placed in 'boundless custody' which basically forfeits your human rights to fair treatment and you may be declined contact with your embassy or foreign representative at the discretion of the House of Brethren, you may be deemed 'incompetent visiting fellow' status which entitles you to a court hearing.

Education and Residency
For foreigners wishing to complete their education or reside in The Disputed Territories of Interdependia more rigorous residency requirements should be met, of which: a series of medical tests, a Thinking and Logic Skills Assesment (TLSA) and proof of sufficient competency in the regional language-English. In addition to this, an integral part of the residency requirements is attaining a higher spiritual intelligence through the practice of our religion and one must be employed at the time of applying. A simple ‘Residency Permit’ is issued for a period between 2-5 years, renewable, if requirements are met.

Citizenship
Citizenship can be attained if one has been resident for more than 10 years in The Disputed Territories of Interdependia. This status is not true birth citizenship but what is called ‘abnormal mirror citizenship’ it holds identical rights to normal citizenship, but is used for distinction: your children will also hold a similar citizenship. Eventually, all residents residing in The Disputed Territories of Interdependia for 50 or more years will receive ‘unbound being’ status meaning that transit between this world and other worlds through The Disputed Territories of Interdependia is greatly facilitated and Bureaucracy much reduced.

Education
The University of Universal Spirituality (known as Universita Spirituale Universale) has only the residence requirements as a prerequisite.

Due to the unique way of life of Milchamians (Every town/city their own kibbutz) and the high nationalism of most Milchamians most immigratns can at first feel out of place. However, the laws of immigrations are farely lax as many surrouding countries such as people from Nedalia, Bazalonia, and Geisenfried all immigrate.

On the flip side of that there are also a lot of Milchamian emigrants to those countries (mostly Nedalia after their recent election squabble/"civil war").

Other places that we know there are immigrants/emigrants:
Az-Cz- all of our successful Kleptochase chasers moved there to help their kleptochase abilities with top of the line coaching.
New Montreal States- The recently deseased Patrice Thibault was from NMS and a couple of Milchamians moved there around World Cup 25.
Bedistan- Parker Law was a long temporary resident in Milchama playing in the MFL. We also had a few anti-communists move there to really escape Milchama.
Collonie- As it was once our colony the amount of interchange between the two places is too massive to count.
(Just to understand how big an impact Collonie had on Milchamian history years are counted from BC (Before Collonie) to AC (After Conquest)).
All other ASPIRE nations- As our economic and political allies there have been a lot of interchange between the third AO alliance.

There are probably others but I don't feel like figuring them out.

Unless a nation has utterly closed its borders to anyone coming in or going out, there's bound to be people immigrating and emigrating. What are your nation's policies on this issue?
It occurred to me that it could be interesting to have some idea regarding what expatriate communities can be found in each nation.

We, the Rafe System, have a policy of back-ground checks for all people entering the country. There have been many cases where people have been arrested as soon as they leave the boat or plane.
We work with Interpol, and our security protocols allow computer access to all the worlds criminal databases.

As far as immigrant levels we have only two: Student Abroad, and Citizen Probation.
Student Abroad is for people who desire to be educated under the Imperial system of education. They are permitted to live/work/be educated in the Imperium. Conditions to stay here include taking full time classes ever semester/trimester/quarter/etc, and keeping an A grade average. We are strict here, with the idea that they are guests, our priority is the Citizen, not the foreign.
Citizen Probation is a foreign wishing to become an Imperial Citizen. They are watched for a period of three years. If back-ground history in the former country, and the three years is perfect, they become citizens. In the mean time they cannot join or create protests, be part of petitions, own a business, own weapons, leave the country, or expect their communications to be secure.

As far as illegal immigration, once they are found, they are put on a cargo transport to any country -except- country of origin.
Unlike the USA, illegals have no right to benefits granted by the state. It was considered by Council to allow benefits for all people in the country, however, looking at the USA, it is been realized that illegals have more benefits then the native-born/naturalized people there.

The Rafe System,
FL Rafe

Zaire has a very small expatriate community. Most expatriates were evacuated during the 1991 and 1993 riots by paratroopers protesting over low pay, and what few remained left during the Great Central African War (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Great_Central_African_War); a few have returned since then, but numbers are still low. Most expatriates are either Parthian military advisors, Ariddian humanitarian workers, or businessmen from Western countries. The only cities with sizeable expat populations are Kinshasa (a few thousand, tops) and Kolwezi (20,000 tops).

IMMIGRANTS

* Family reunions: People immigrating to join their family (self explanatory).
* Students: Temporary migrants for the most part, but more then likely some stay in Amestria permanently for various reasons.
*Refugees: Fleeing persecution/abuse of various kinds, oppression, neglect, or war (see Additional Details).
* Economic migrants: Bourgeoisie and entrepreneurs involved in international trade and commerce, artists, writers, and wealthy individuals who wish to purchase scenic and pristine rural property. Undoubtedly most are temporary, if long term, migrants (or in some cases, Seasonal), but a few undoubtedly stay.
* Ideological migrants: Very few individuals would likely immigrate to Amestria on purely ideological grounds as no significant internationalist ideology (Communism for example) has been embraced.


EMIGRATION

* Family reasons: Emigrating to live with expatriate family and/or a foreign spouse.
* Students/Academics: Some Amestirans study, usually on exchange programs, or teach abroad; some then stay in the country they were studying/teaching in.
* Economic migrants: People working for Amestrian companies abroad, Bourgeoisie and entrepreneurs involved in international trade and commerce, artists, writers, and criminals. Undoubtedly most are temporary, if long term, migrants, but a few undoubtedly stay overseas.
* Ideological migrants: A small minority of ideological Amestrians might migrate to nations that they would feel more comfortable being a part of then Amestrian nation (for example, frustrated and uncompromising Communists are likely to immigrate to places like Ariddia). Known terrorists would also likely attempt to take up residence outside Amestria’s borders in places were they are unlikely be discovered and extradited.
* "Refugees": Although the Amestrian Fourth Republic cannot constitutionally strip citizens of their citizenship, rare situations can develop were it is undesirable for an Amestrian citizen living abroad to return home or travel within reach of the Amestrian authorities, so they become in effect de-facto Stateless Persons. Individuals harassed by the Amestrian State for anti-State views who get fed up and decide to leave can also be considered Refugees, as can those fleeing the insurgency fueled violence in Southeastern Amestria.

Note: Casual immigration/emigration/travel to and from some country’s, such as Allanea and the Reich, are heavily restricted. The Amestrian State also has no qualms about deporting illegal immigrants and there are no real illegal communities within Amestria.


Additional Details

Foreigners who come to Amestria seeking to undergo the nationalization process to attain Amestrian citizenship must renounce their existing citizenship, undergo a detailed background check (as detailed as possible), pass various tests in Amestrian law, culture, and history, become fluent in the official language, and swear an oath of loyalty to the Amestrian State. Being born in Amestria does not automatically make one a citizen unless one of the parents is a citizen (children born abroad automatically become Amestrian citizens if both their parents are Amestrian citizens). Refugees, after a certain period of time, must choose whether or not to undergo Amestrian nationalization or leave the country.

Amestrian (specifically the North Amestrian dialect), a Franco-Germanic language, is the official language of the Amestrian State and the Amestrian Nation. All Government and State business is conducted in the official Amestrian dialect, which is regulated by the Ministry of Culture’s L'Académie Amestrian, the official authority on the usages, vocabulary, and grammar of the Amestrian language and the body that publishes the official dictionary (its recommendations carry legal power). There are however, particularly in the South, many different Amestrian dialects (some unrecognizably different from the official language), and much resentment over what many different ethnic groups consider a long established policy of colonization and cultural genocide. Among the Bourgeoisie and Governing Classes English is widely spoken (though often with a thick accent).

Immigrants undergoing naturalization are either encouraged to Amestrize their names or, if their original names are alien enough, select entirely new Amestrian names. Diaspora nationalism and “Balkanization” is frowned upon and discouraged. All immigrants seeking nationalization are actively encouraged, and ultimately expected, to assimilate and adopt Amestrian culture/values.

While Amestria is heavily centralized politically and bureaucratically (which includes the imposition of the official language), it is very culturally diverse. The traditional feudal rights of municipalities and rural communities are still practiced and there are a wide range of local traditions. Throughout Amestria, particularly Southwestern Amestria, animal blood sports, whether individual or communal, are quiet common.

Amestrian cuisine is very diverse from locality to locality (traditionally each region has its own distinctive cuisine) and often involves a wide variety of butters, creams, sauces, and meats. Fast food restaurants and mega-stores are banned in Amestria for economic and cultural reasons. The fruits and vegetables used in regional cuisine are for the most part locally grown. Vegetarianism is almost unheard of in Amestria. The Amestrian Ministry of Health considers vegetarianism unhealthy and Ministry of Culture holds it to be “incompatible” with Amestrian culture (although it does not actively prohibit vegetarian cuisine, it does regulate, restrict, or prohibit foreign chain stores).

The Amestrian Nobility, while lacking in hereditary political power, still enjoys certain privileges, among them the right to own and carry a sword (for everyone else it is illegal), the right to hunt on their estates and rural public property using traditional methods (horses, dogs, cross bows, spears, traps), the right to profit from their estate while serving in Public Office, and the right to use such noble titles as “The Honorable” (no one else may use them).

Owing to the influences of Socialism Amestria has an extensive welfare state. For children participation in the Amestrian State’s primary school system is mandatory. Cars are illegal and there is an extensive public transportation system. It is illegal for civilians (i.e. individuals not employed by the Amestrian Government) to possess firearms. Heavy top down environmental regulation, the lack of suburbs, and policies aimed at preventing urban sprawl has preserved the mostly pristine countryside (82% of Amestria is composed of rich arable land, permanent pastureland, or is forested). Amestria’s climate is temperate in the North, Central, and Atlantic regions of the country and Mediterranean in the Southern regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

In Amestria pierced ears are uncommon and other body piercing rare. Body paint and tattoos are looked down upon (a holdover from the Ancien Régime’s branding/marking of criminals).

In Southeastern Amestria there is an ongoing insurgency by ethnic separatists (recently resumed in earnest after an imperfect and only occasionally observed ceasefire) who wish to end what they consider the foreign domination and colonization of their region by separating from Amestria. The State Military has been given increased civil authority by the Central Government to suppress the insurgency but has had only marginal success. The “Deep State,” an ultra-nationalist military, judicial, and bureaucratic cabal has been active in the region and is known to act outside of established legality. Bombings, assassinations, disappearances, riots, and various forms of intense physical violence are not uncommon. The Amestrian Ministry of Immigration and Borders issues travel advisories warning visitors to avoid this region of the country.

For an Amestrian to become a citizen of another country they must renounce their Amestrian citizenship (they can regain their citizenship in the future).

(OOC: There would likely be very few Amestrians in Ariddia and all of them would be uncompromising Communists. West Ariddia would be another story and have a far larger number of Amestrians, though I’m unsure exactly as to how many…Pacific West Ariddia is fairly distant from Atlantic/Mediterranean Amestria. As for how many Ariddians would immigrate to Amestria, that’s up to you.)

(OOC: There would likely be very few Amestrians in Ariddia and all of them would be uncompromising Communists. West Ariddia would be another story and have a far larger number of Amestrians, though I’m unsure exactly as to how many…Pacific West Ariddia is fairly distant from Atlantic/Mediterranean Amestria. As for how many Ariddians would immigrate to Amestria, that’s up to you.)

OOC:
I agree about West Ariddia.

On the whole, I don't think Ariddians would have many reasons to move to Amestria, so their numbers there would probably be very low.

IMMIGRANTS

Refugees (political, economic) - These are people who have come to Kahanistan from nations that abuse their human rights, persecute their political or religious beliefs, or are fleeing poverty.

Students - Kahanistan has free university education up to the doctoral level, so many people who could not afford higher education at home will go to Kahanistan to enjoy its socialist-funded educational system. This would likely be the category in which most Arridians in Kahanistan would fall.

Religious - Kahanistan is seated in the Negev Desert, part of the Holy Land. As such, many Jews, Christians and Muslims immigrate there. Many of these also overlap with political refugees if they come from a nation where their religion is persecuted.

EMIGRANTS

War Refugees - These are people fleeing the numerous wars Kahanistan becomes embroiled in periodically. They have increased in recent months due to enemy policies of deliberately attacking civilian population centers. They may have lost family or friends to these attacks and are mostly interested in survival. A few are military deserters, but the DSRK does not pursue them as they generally have more pressing matters to attend to.

Criminals - Due to everyone and their dog owning a SAW, street crime is rare in Kahanistan except for petty vandalism and theft. Some people emigrate to countries where they won't be shot when trying to stick someone up or rape them.

Economic - Rich people are taxed to within an inch of their lives (billionaires paying out more then 95% tax is not unheard of) and many leave the country for nations with lower tax rates.

Ideological - People who oppose Kahanistan's democracy and support various totalitarian regimes. Also includes religious fanatics who emigrate to theocratic states that follow their religion.

OTHER

Citizenship is easy to obtain compared to most other countries. Latin was adopted as an official language to facilitate the assimilation of European Romance-speaking immigrants. Fluency in at least one of Kahanistan's official languages (Arabic, English, Hebrew, and Latin) and passing a citizenship test battery in that language are required for citizenship, which confers the right to vote and stand for election to office. Non-citizens enjoy the other rights provided by the Constitution of Kahanistan, including free speech, religion, and the right to keep and bear arms.

Immigration policy is very liberal, and few if any are turned away. This has resulted in a population of over 3.6 billion living in very tall apartment towers, often 150 stories tall and some as tall as 200 stories. Land is scarce and owned mainly by the government and some corporations, with the exceptions of some settlements outside the major cities.

Students - Kahanistan has free university education up to the doctoral level, so many people who could not afford higher education at home will go to Kahanistan to enjoy its socialist-funded educational system.

OOC: The Amestrian Ministry of Education and various Amestrian Universities officially regard Kahanistanian University Degrees as worthless. Reasons given by the Amestrian Ministry of Education are: ideologically driven curriculums, inferiority of teaching methods, and under funded/decaying school infrastructure/equipment. And that is on top of the violent riots a while back that partially targeted Amestrian nationals. So there would be few if any Amestrian university students in Kahanistan (zero seems a realistic estimate).

This might also have an effect on the number of Ariddian students who choose to study in Kahanistan.