On July 19, 2025, far-right groups, including the Konfederacja party and various football fan clubs, staged anti-migrant marches in over 80 towns and cities throughout Poland. This surge in nationalism and xenophobia has raised alarm among many, particularly refugees and immigrants, who fear for their safety and future in the country. Elmi Abdi, a 62-year-old Somali refugee, expressed alarm over the rising anti-migrant rhetoric. He said that the prevailing climate was making him feel like a scapegoat for Poland’s greater social problems.
Agnieszka Kosowicz, director of the Polish Migration Forum, provided a sense of the frightening mood in Poland, calling it “pre-pogrom-like.” She highlighted the misinformation that is rampant about immigrants, which she has seen as one of the largest drivers of this anti-migrant sentiment. Clicks on stories about bigotry, violence, and hostility toward foreigners are skyrocketing. Most now face a scary and bleak reality in a country that for generations has welcomed those searching for safety and a fresh start.
Context of Migration in Poland
Over the last two years, Poland has witnessed a sudden and extreme influx of migration attempts on its territory. The border with Belarus has become another important route for thousands of people from Global South countries to reach Europe. In just 2021, there were 52,000 illegal crossings on this border. By 2024, that number had almost tripled, with up to 30,000 attempts registered and one-third of those considered effective.
From January to late June 2025, official data indicated that only 5% of the 15,022 illegal crossing attempts were successful. To keep migrants out, Poland rapidly constructed a fence across its border with Belarus in 2021. Then, in March 2025, the national government temporarily halted the right to seek asylum. This move has drawn criticism from various human rights organizations and activists who argue that it further endangers vulnerable populations.
The government of Poland has been criticized for not doing enough to counter public misperceptions about the costs and benefits of migration. The average citizen thinks that migrants are taking jobs away and that they present a physical risk to Poles. Media coverage of crimes associated with migrants has amplified these perceptions. The most tragic but illustrative example was in the summer of 2025, when a Venezuelan immigrant stabbed a 24-year-old Polish woman to death.
The Climate of Fear
As Elmi Abdi so eloquently expressed the fears that so many refugees are currently experiencing as anti-migrant sentiment surges. He stated, “Today, migrants are seen as responsible for all of Poland’s problems. We are scapegoats that all parties attack, even though politicians know it’s all untrue.” Abdi reiterated the importance of making a difference in the world. Like other immigrants, he contributed to the economy by working hard, paying taxes, and being involved in their communities.
He expressed concern for the next generation, saying, “At the marches, people shout that they want a white Poland. I’m old enough; I’m not afraid of anything. I am worried about my children.” This feeling reflects the sense of many who believe their lives are endangered by the increased aggression.
Danuta, a local resident who marched with the LGBTQ+ activists on the ground, provides her views on the present-day climate in Poland. “The nation has had enough of what’s happening. It’s waking up because we’re living under terror, being humiliated,” she remarked. It’s an urgency that can be heard in chorus among numerous communities where intimidation against and suspicion towards migrants have taken root.
Political Rhetoric and Misinformation
The rhetoric around migration issues in Poland has been very intense. Konrad Berkowicz, an MP from the Konfederacja party, openly stated that “xenophobia is an important element of our national unity.” His comments underscore a cynical and cowardly trend among politicians. First, they use the panic around immigrants to mobilize people to support their harmful agendas.
In eroding public confidence, the spread of misinformation has proven to be a key actor in public perception. Common on the right are assertions that migrants take the jobs of natives and represent a physical danger. These stories have been requested by legislators and blown-up on TikTok. Nikola, another resident who attended the marches, expressed her desire for security: “I’d like to feel safe in my city, and I’ve already seen a few people who looked like they are not from here.”
Agnieszka Kosowicz warned about the potential consequences of this atmosphere, stating, “What distinguishes today’s situation is the violence. We are in a very bad place.” Her powerful remarks remind us all of the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding in these deeply divided times.
