Political backlash against immigration has included increased support for anti-immigration parties, stricter border policies, nationalist campaigns, and the political scapegoating of migrants. In some cases, it has changed election outcomes and weakened protections for migrants and asylum seekers.
This issue belongs to Borders, an HL-only global political challenge. Backlash occurs when political actors frame immigration as a threat to national identity, economic security, public services, or sovereignty. They may then claim that stronger border controls will restore state authority and satisfy citizens who believe existing policies lack legitimacy.
| Form of backlash | Contemporary example | Political significance |
|---|---|---|
| Electoral and referendum mobilization | In the United Kingdom's 2016 Brexit referendum, immigration and the promise to “take back control” of borders were central to the Leave campaign. Leave won 51.9% of the vote, and European Union free movement ended for the United Kingdom in 2021. | Immigration concerns contributed to a major transfer of authority away from the European Union, illustrating the tension between sovereignty and interdependence. |
| Growth of anti-immigration parties | Germany's Alternative for Germany campaigned against irregular migration and received 15.9% in the June 2024 European Parliament election, finishing second nationally. | Backlash increased the party's political power and pressured mainstream parties to adopt tougher migration positions. |
| Repression and scapegoating | In February 2023, Tunisian President Kais Saied portrayed sub-Saharan migration as a demographic and security threat. This was followed by arrests, expulsions, and reported violence against Black migrants. | Government rhetoric helped legitimize coercive border policies while raising serious rights and justice concerns. |
A common misconception is that immigration automatically produces backlash. Political outcomes depend on how leaders, parties, and media frame migration, as well as economic conditions and public perceptions.