Rise of Anti-Immigration Policies

Why in the News?

In the recent years, there has been a striking surge in anti-immigration rhetoric, protests, and policies worldwide from Western democracies to the parts of Asia.

More on the News

• Examples of recent events displaying anti-immigration sentiments-
  • Hike in H1B Visa fee by the US administration
  • Campaigns by Japan's Sanseito Party framing immigration as 'silent invasion'
  • Opposition to Indian migration in Australia organized under the banner of "March for Australia", etc.
• This is primarily because of the rise of populism where public opinion takes the form of hostility to immigration, the political response has invariably been to curb new immigration by reducing legal migration routes, reinforcing border protection, cutting the entitlements of new arrivals and, in general, trying to deter migrants.

Causes of rising Anti-Immigration Sentiment 

• Economic: Immigrants are often perceived as taking away local jobs, depressing wages, especially in low-skill sectors, and put strain on welfare systems.
  • E.g., Perception of job loss and wage depression was a major driver of support for BREXIT in the UK.
• Social and Cultural: Migrants are seen as a threat to national identity, language, religion, and traditions, fuelling cultural anxiety among native populations, especially in societies facing demographic change. 
  • E.g., Rising anti-immigration sentiment in Europe, the United States.
• Political: Populist and nationalist leaders exploit public fears (unemployment, crime, welfare strain) over immigration to gain electoral support.
  • E.g., Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that the country faces a migrant "invasion".
• Security: Governments and citizens link migration with illegal border crossings and terrorism, heightening fear and opposition, or organized crime. 
  • E.g., Post 9/11 stricter immigration laws in USA.
• Misinformation: Social media amplify xenophobia through false narratives (migrants "taking jobs" or "raising crime rates"), reinforcing negative stereotypes, creating mass fear and moral panic.
  • E.g., Fake news on migrant-related crimes spread through media in Germany intensified anti-immigrant sentiment.

Impact of Anti- Immigration 

• Economic Impact: Restrictive immigration laws reduce labour supply, especially in sectors dependent on migrant workers (agriculture, construction), leading to rise in labour costs and slower economic growth.
  • E.g., Post-Brexit UK faced shortages of farming sector.
• Demographic impact: Anti-immigration policies can worsen the ageing population crisis in developed countries, leading to fewer working-age taxpayers, and rising dependency ratio. 
  • E.g., Labour shortages in Japan and EU due to ageing population.
• Socio-cultural: Stricter immigration laws can potentially reduce multicultural exchange and hamper social cohesion, further leading to polarization and xenophobia.
• Reduced innovation: Restricting skilled migrants reduces innovation, research capacity, and start-up formation.
  • E.g., As per National Foundation for American Policy, 55% of country's $1 billion start-up had at least one immigrant founder.
• Political Impact: Stringent policies can lead to strained relations with neighbouring or source countries due to deportations or discriminatory visa regimes, and international criticism for violating human rights.

How should India respond?

• Diplomatic engagement with host countries: Bilateral dialogues and agreements with the host countries (like the US, Australia, Japan) to ensure fair treatment and legal protection for Indian workers and students abroad.
• Leveraging Diaspora Diplomacy: Proactive diaspora outreach through embassies and cultural missions to counter negative stereotypes and showcase positive contributions of Indians globally.
• Strengthening domestic opportunities: Creating more high-quality jobs in sectors such as IT, Healthcare, manufacturing, etc., within India can help reduce push factors driving migration. 
  • In this regard, coordinated and effective implementation of initiatives like Make in India, Skill India, and Startup India can help retain skilled youth and reduce dependence on foreign employment.
• Countering misinformation and xenophobia: Government of India and other non-State actors can collaborate with international digital platforms to curb fake narratives against migrants.

Conclusion

The rise of anti-immigration sentiment across the world reflects deeper economic anxieties, cultural insecurities, and political populism. For India, with one of the world's largest diasporas, the challenge lies in protecting its citizens abroad while promoting inclusive and responsible migration policies at home. A calibrated approach anchored in diplomacy, evidence-based policymaking, and respect for human rights, can ensure that migration remains a source of strength rather than contention in an increasingly interconnected world.