The Gothic crisis of Rome: Modern parallels

Every time I read about the millions of migrants who want to settle into Europe or the USA, one is of course sympathetic to them. 

 Except some might not be able or willing to assimilate: more of a problem in Europe where the migrants who might be willing to assimilate are often shunned by locals into ghettos with unemployment etc. so their children are being groomed by Islamicist radicals.

In contrast, in the USA,  Hispanics often assimilate with earlier Hispanics who are proud US citizens. Which is why ICE raids are upsetting to many normal Yanks, who would back ICE getting rid of gangs but not their hardworking neighbors.

 But whenever immigration is discusssed,  the clueless don't see a problem, and indeed the USA manages to accomedate all sorts of immigrants and the fight over immigration of outisiders resemble the Knownothing riots against the Irish more than what is actually going on.,. 

But when it comes to Europe, I see the Gothic refugees from the Huns asking Rome to let them in to live in safety. 

 From AncientWar History site: The Gothic crisis...

The emperor allowed them in if they assimilated and obeyed Roman laws. Which worked until a famine hit.

Read the whole thing: But essentially the tribes ended up rebelling and conquering/destroying Rome.

The events of 376-382 AD represented a pivotal turning point in European history.

The Visigoths’ admission had been intended as a controlled solution to frontier defense, but instead exposed Rome’s vulnerability to mass migrations.

Several critical lessons emerged:

1. The Limits of Assimilation: Rome’s traditional strength in absorbing foreigners faltered when facing entire nations retaining arms and identity. '

2. Military Revolution: Adrianople demonstrated cavalry’s dominance over infantry, foreshadowing medieval warfare.

3. The Foedus System’s Danger: Theodosius’ settlement created the template for later barbarian kingdoms that would fracture the West.

4. Chain Migration Effects: Hunnic pressure didn’t cease with the Gothic settlement, continuing to displace other tribes into Roman territory....

Read the whole thing.

The article concludes:

Ultimately, the Gothic crisis proved that even calculated imperial policies could unleash uncontrollable forces when dealing with mass migrations. The lessons resonate through history, from the Viking Age to modern refugee crises—when desperation meets political miscalculation, the consequences can reshape civilizations.