By Matt Underwood Anti-immigration demonstrations take place in more than 80 cities across Poland, a reality that prompts a complex mix of observations and reactions. It’s hard not to see the irony in the situation, especially when considering how Polish immigration to the UK played a role in the Brexit debate. Suddenly, Poland, a nation that saw its citizens seek opportunities abroad, finds itself grappling with anti-immigrant sentiment within its own borders.
It’s almost surreal to consider the disparity between the actual numbers and the perceived threat. While the influx of non-European migrants into Poland is comparatively small, and the majority arrive with work or student visas, the narrative presented in some media outlets paints a dramatically different picture. It’s as though a picture of a single person, or a few, sitting at a bus stop can be enough to trigger widespread fear and concern.
There’s a certain kind of hypocrisy at play. Many people in Poland, and Poles themselves, have family members who have emigrated to Western European countries or even to the United States in search of better opportunities. Yet, when people from other countries come to Poland seeking a better life, it’s somehow viewed differently.
The issue of immigration often becomes a convenient scapegoat, diverting attention from the underlying causes of social and economic anxieties. It’s a recurring pattern throughout history, where a segment of the population, anywhere and everywhere, harbors resentment toward immigrants and foreigners. This is just basic human nature.
The fact that Polish immigrants were welcomed in other European countries, especially after EU membership, highlights the complexity of the situation. It raises the question of why Poland, which benefited from the acceptance of its citizens, hasn’t embraced a similar level of welcome for others.
The demonstrations are specifically about illegal immigration. Many people are very clear on this point; the distinction is important to them. It’s a significant distinction, however, some people are not clear on it.
The focus on “illegal” immigration can be a way of avoiding the more difficult questions. In reality, some nationalist groups are harassing anyone who looks different, even those who are in the country legally. There is also state interference from other nations which affects the discourse, and increases tensions.
The issue really boils down to whether the people want to be here or not, in Poland. And who is making money off it.
It’s worth noting that the root of this issue lies in human nature itself. Xenophobia and the tendency to fear the “other” are deeply ingrained, and present in holy texts thousands of years old. The underlying issue in not the immigration itself, but rather the rich/powerful/elite taking advantage of the situation to keep wages down and rents high.