A 2019 interview with the Dalai Lama and BBC journalist Rajini Vaidyanathan, who is of Indian origin, has resurfaced on social media, reigniting discussions on immigration. In the interview, the Tibetan spiritual leader expressed his opposition to uncontrolled immigration to Western countries, particularly drawing attention to his comments on Europe’s cultural identity. His remarks have sparked reactions, including one from Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Dalai Lama on immigration
When Vaidyanathan asked the Dalai Lama about immigration, specifically from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to Europe, he offered his view on the issue. Regarding whether people from Afghanistan or the Middle East should be allowed to stay in Europe, the Dalai Lama said, “In a limited number, okay.” However, he voiced concern about Europe potentially losing its cultural identity, stating, “The whole of Europe becoming a Muslim country? Impossible. Or an African country—also impossible.”
The Dalai Lama suggested that immigrants might be better suited to remain in their own homelands, citing the compatibility of climate and culture. “They themselves are better to their own land, climatically. Much better, you’re too cold,” he remarked. When Vaidyanathan pointed out that her own parents had immigrated from India to the UK, the Dalai Lama chuckled and added, “If England, a small island, [is filled with] 90% Indians, then I don’t know.”
The issue of immigration has regained attention following the appointment of Indian-origin Sriram Krishnan as a White House AI advisor. Some right-wing Americans have voiced concerns over speculation that Krishnan might advocate for removing the cap on H1B visas, potentially increasing the influx of Indian workers to the United States. This has sparked broader debates about Indian immigrants allegedly taking jobs from qualified Americans, particularly in STEM fields.
The majority of commenters expressed opposition to immigration. “Mass migration is fundamentally colonialism. Each country can only absorb so many people into it before you radically change it and even create a destabilizing power vacuum. That’s why immigration needs to be very well regulated,” X user Adam Lowisz wrote.
“Thanks to Elon, we can finally have the discussions about important questions that would earn a ban in the past,” another user added.
“The Dalai Lama has always held this position. He was asked this same question years ago and replied that a country has a right to maintain its own culture,” a person pointed out.