EDITOR'S CORNER: The Devil Isn’t Immigration — It’s Far-Right Politics

Politicians often rely on simple, powerful messages to rally support. The far right, in particular, thrives on polarizing ideas and fearmongering. They don’t have to look far for a villain. For decades, immigration has been their favorite scapegoat — a symbol twisted into fear, resentment, and division.

But immigration isn’t the problem. Often, it’s part of the solution to an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and a thriving multicultural society. The real danger lies in the politics of demonization — a tactic designed not to protect communities, but to consolidate power.

In this post, I’ll explore why the far right blames foreigners during hard times, and why they push the false promise that life will improve if immigrants simply disappear.

WHY THE FAR RIGHT ALWAYS TARGETS IMMIGRANTS IN HARD TIMES

When economies falter or societies face uncertainty, the far right needs an easy target. Immigrants and refugees often fit the bill perfectly. By blaming foreigners for job losses, rising rents, or strained public services, they create a simple story for complex problems. This scapegoating turns frustration into fear, and fear into political support. Whether the claims are true or not doesn’t matter — what matters is that the story sticks, casting immigrants as outsiders who “take more than they give.”

Targeting immigrants in hard times also helps the far right distract from systemic problems like failing economic policies, inequality, corruption, or political mismanagement. By directing public anger at vulnerable groups, they deflect criticism from those in power. The message is clear: society’s problems aren’t caused by bad policy or leadership — they’re caused by outsiders. This tactic is as old as politics itself, yet it remains effective because fear is easier to sell than nuance.

HOW DEMONIZATION AND POLAR POLITICS BUILD POWER 

Demonization is a tool, and the far right wields it with precision. By turning immigrants into symbols of threat, they create an “us versus them” mentality. This frames citizens as entitled to everything while outsiders must prove their worth or face barriers to access, like social security or other benefits. It polarizes communities and rallies supporters around fear rather than facts. Politics becomes a battle for survival, not a debate about policies, and leaders who stoke that fear can gain loyalty almost instantly. But the question remains: will it last in the long run?

Polar politics thrives on division. When society is split into extremes, compromise becomes impossible, and moderate voices are drowned out. The far right uses this to consolidate power, presenting themselves as the sole defenders of “real” citizens. The more they amplify fear and resentment, the stronger their control — all while real solutions to social and economic problems are ignored. But this strategy has a dangerous side: it fuels anger and raises the threat of violence. We see it in the U.S., with political protests escalating to assassinations, attacks on public figures, and ordinary people targeted in the streets for their ethnicity.

DO WE NEED IMMIGRATION? WHY?! 

Yes, we need immigration, and the reasons are clear. Immigrants fill essential jobs, start businesses, and contribute taxes that aging Western populations increasingly rely on. Those taxes fund schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, helping to build strong communities for future generations. They don’t take from the system — they strengthen it. Beyond the economy, immigration brings innovation, new skills, and fresh perspectives. Diverse communities are more adaptable and resilient, able to solve problems that a single-minded population might overlook.

Immigration also enriches the human side of life. It connects us to the wider world, bringing culture, food, art, and ideas. Fearmongering ignores these benefits, but the truth is clear: societies thrive when they welcome newcomers, not when they push them away. That said, we do need an open discussion on immigration. Open borders alone do not solve challenges. Successful integration is crucial. Immigrants should approach their new home with an open mindset, embracing the local culture alongside their own, learning the language, and actively participating in the community.

Building thriving multicultural neighborhoods requires practical support rather than demonization. We should prioritize helping newcomers settle, contribute, and feel included. At the same time, we must remember that Western values are rooted in compassion, human rights, and respect — principles that immigration can help reinforce rather than undermine.

THE CASE FOR HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT AND THE SOFT POWER TACTIC

I would also add that people immigrate or seek refuge for many different reasons. Some are looking for a better life or hoping to settle down with someone they love. Others are fleeing war, famine, or equally dire circumstances. Yes, there are also so-called “economic refugees,” but this is something societies need to address with perspective, not fear. Cutting humanitarian support is another tactic the far right weaponizes to stoke division and resentment.

Humanitarian aid is also a form of soft power. Wealthier nations use it to influence and support developing countries, providing medicine, food, and other forms of assistance. Through aid, they can promote education, gender equality, and democratic values, helping create freer, more equitable societies. Stronger, more stable countries reduce the pressure that forces people to migrate in the first place.

Most people would prefer to stay close to home, near family and community. But when war, famine, or climate change threaten their lives, leaving becomes the only option. And when they do leave, they often come to wealthier nations, such as those in Europe, seeking safety, opportunity, and a chance to rebuild their lives.

CONCUSION 

Immigration isn’t the devil — fear and division are. The far right thrives by blaming outsiders for problems they didn’t create, turning complex issues into simple villains. Scapegoating doesn’t solve anything; it only fuels resentment and concentrates power in the hands of those who profit from fear. By demonizing immigrants, polarizing communities, and stoking anger, they distract from real problems like failing policies, inequality, and global crises.

The real strength of any society lies in its ability to embrace diversity, adapt, and work together. Immigrants don’t take from us — they build, innovate, and enrich our communities. They fill essential jobs, start businesses, pay taxes, and bring skills, perspectives, and culture that strengthen society. Many come seeking safety from war, famine, or climate crises, and successful integration helps them thrive while contributing to the wider community. The true threat isn’t immigration; it’s the politics that turn neighbors into enemies. Recognizing that is the first step toward a society that chooses inclusion over fear, facts over fiction, and collaboration over division.