Discrimination against foreigners

Intolerance of foreign people
Active prejudice towards aliens

Nature

Often when a country's economic troubles persist, despite governmental change and growing independence, national and anti-foreign expressions may rise among the general public. Government officials may even depend on anti-foreign euphemism in their public statements in order to shift the blame on "economic migrants" to explain national failings.

Background

Discrimination against foreigners has been documented since ancient civilizations, but its global significance emerged with increased migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. International attention intensified after World War II, as mass displacement and xenophobic violence highlighted the urgent need for legal protections. The problem’s complexity became more apparent with globalization, prompting research, policy debates, and monitoring by organizations such as the UN and IOM, which continue to track its evolving manifestations worldwide.

Incidence

In 1993, as western European governments and economies displayed signs of fatigue, expressions of intolerance of foreigners living in countries such as Germany and France were on the rise. A 1991 poll taken in Germany found one third of those questioned had "understanding for extreme rightist tendencies as a result of the immigrant problem". In eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, after the defeat of communism and the realization of a painful economic recovery, some have looked for blame in the presence of ethnic minorities. A 1993 report on the civil war between Algeria's Muslim fundamentalists and its military-dominated government in which more than 2,000 people had been murdered in less than 2 years, found that recent hostilities had turned to foreigners, as 2 Frenchmen and 2 Russians were kidnapped and assassinated within one month's time.

Claim

Discrimination against foreigners is a deeply troubling and urgent issue that undermines the very foundation of human dignity and equality. It breeds division, fuels hatred, and denies countless individuals the opportunity to contribute and thrive. Ignoring this problem perpetuates injustice and weakens our societies. We must confront and eradicate such discrimination with unwavering determination, ensuring that everyone—regardless of origin—is treated with respect, fairness, and compassion. This is a moral imperative we cannot ignore.

Counter-claim

Discrimination against foreigners is vastly exaggerated and not a significant problem in today’s world. Societies are more open and inclusive than ever before, with countless opportunities for foreigners to thrive. Most claims of discrimination are isolated incidents, blown out of proportion by the media. Instead of focusing on this so-called issue, we should direct our attention to more pressing concerns that genuinely impact people’s lives on a larger scale.