Denmark’s immigration policies are not nearly as tough as their reputation nor to credit them as the source of economic prosperity.
Denmark’s economic prosperity comes from investment in free higher education for all, generally healthy lifestyles and the flexicurity-model, which provides a flexible labour market and promotes risk-taking.
Which western countries have "stricter" immigration policies? Even the US now doesn't treat refugees like Denmark did a few years ago (mass, wholesale expulsion to a country that was still at war, with very little exceptions). I get the reasoning behind it but the Danes are not the most welcoming of peoples, with regards to immigration.
I'm guessing the type of immigration each country receives is very different.
e.g. some examples from this list (% immigrant population):
- Qatar (76%)
- Australia (30%)
- Canada (23%)
- Belgium (20%)
- USA (15.2%)
- Denmark (14.2%)
I find that comment confusing because dissatisfaction with our immigration policy was a huge part of our recent election. It almost brought down the Liberal government.