As European economies suffer, along with their citizens, it’s natural to look for somewhere to place the blame. Migrants often bear the brunt of this scapegoating.
A tough stance on immigration is favoured in many of Europe’s parliaments and by the far-right parties that have been gaining popularity. But it’s not just politicians who are pointing the finger. Anti-immigrant and racist discourse is becoming more mainstream. ‘People seem to feel less shocked when racist statements are made,’ says Shannon Pfohman, Deputy Director for Policy at the European Network Against Racism (ENAR).
