When the economy is struggling, housing prices are rising, jobs are unstable, and climate change and public health crises add pressure, people can easily feel afraid, angry, and confused, and may lose trust in the government.
Some politicians then simply blame immigrants for complex problems, claiming that immigrants take away housing, jobs, and public resources, and promising to restore order by closing borders and increasing their own power.
Housing shortages, the gap between rich and poor, and rising living costs are often related to public investment, worker protections, and economic policies. They cannot be blamed on just one group of people.
Democratic societies should not look for scapegoats. Instead, they should openly explain the situation regarding immigration, build more housing and public facilities, improve management, and honestly confront inequality.