Backlash in the ‘social dump’ -- By Wesley Pruden, The Washington Times

British, French, Germans irked with immigrants seeking better welfare benefits 

LONDON — Britain and France have been the cat and dog of Europe, yapping and hissing at each other over the centuries, but they’re singing the same song now in close harmony over immigration and what to do about how it’s changing the face of Europe. The not-so-huddled masses are yearning to breathe free on the ride to a good life in the prosperous countries. The music is familiar to American ears, but the words are brisk and straightforward, unencumbered by the fear of being politically incorrect.

The French still call the English “the Anglo-Saxons,” as if history has stood still. (A 10-minute stroll through Notting Hill Gate or Earl’s Court demonstrates how the term is so 20th century.) The words are not taken as the intended insult, but often as a wistful recollection of yesteryear. The French are still the frogs, but now frog and bulldog share an abiding dilemma, with a sympathetic Germany standing by to help with cutting “Eurocrats” in Brussels down to size.

It’s about “benefit tourism,” and it has little to do with authentic tourists and a lot to do with government benefits. The problem is not immigration, so much as migration, the free movement from country to country within the European Union. But it’s of a piece with the fast-growing movement of migrants from the impoverished nations across the globe.

The issue is acute now because come Jan. 1, Romanians and Bulgarians will be free to work anywhere in Europe, as set out in the agreement to join the European Union in 2007. A transition period restricted access of Romanians — a bit of a euphemism for “gypsies” — and Bulgarians for seven years, and it’s the restrictions that expire on New Year’s Day.

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