Rise of Anti-Immigration Policies: Causes, Global Impact, and India’s Strategic Response
- TPP
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Why Are Anti-Immigration Policies Increasing Worldwide and What Do They Mean for India?
In recent years, several countries across Western democracies and parts of Asia have seen a sharp rise in anti-immigration rhetoric, protests, and restrictive policies. These include public demonstrations, political campaigns, and administrative actions targeting migrants—both skilled and unskilled.
Recent global examples include:
United States: Hike in H-1B visa fees, affecting thousands of Indian tech professionals.
Japan: Sanseito Party calling immigration a “silent invasion.”
Australia: Anti-Indian migration protests under the banner “March for Australia.”
This surge is largely driven by populism, where political parties capitalize on public fears and reshape immigration policies to restrict migration, strengthen borders, reduce entitlements, and discourage new arrivals.
What Are the Causes Behind Rising Anti-Immigration Sentiments?
1. Economic Causes
Fear that immigrants take local jobs, especially in low-skill sectors
Perception that immigrants depress wages
Concern that migrants strain welfare systems
Example: Economic insecurity and fear of job loss played a major role in public support for Brexit in the UK.
2. Social and Cultural Causes
Migrants are often perceived as threats to:
National identity
Language
Religion
Cultural practices
This is especially visible in societies facing rapid demographic change.
Examples:
Cultural anxiety in Europe
Identity-driven backlash in the United States
3. Political Causes
Populist and nationalist leaders use anti-immigration sentiment as a tool to gain electoral support.
Example:Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni described migrant arrivals as an “invasion.”
4. Security-Related Causes
Governments link migration to:
Illegal border crossings
Terrorist threats
Organized crime
Example:Post 9/11, the U.S. tightened immigration laws significantly.
5. Misinformation and Fake News
Social media platforms amplify xenophobia through false narratives like:
Migrants “increase crime”
Migrants “take over welfare benefits”
Example:Fake news on migrant crimes circulated in Germany, fueling anti-immigration protests.
What Are the Impacts of Anti-Immigration Policies?
1. Economic Impact
Restrictive policies reduce labour supply, especially in sectors dependent on migrants like:
Farming
Hospitality
Construction
Healthcare
Example:Post-Brexit UK experienced severe labour shortages in agriculture.
2. Demographic Impact
Anti-immigration laws worsen:
Ageing population issues
Declining working-age population
Higher dependency ratios
Examples:
Japan and several EU countries face acute labour shortages due to ageing populations.
3. Socio-Cultural Impact
Reduced multicultural exchange
Rise in xenophobia
Greater social polarization
4. Reduced Innovation and Talent Loss
Restricting high-skilled migrants impacts national innovation capacity.
Example:According to the National Foundation for American Policy,👉 55% of U.S. unicorn startups (valued over $1 billion) have at least one immigrant founder.
5. Political Impact
Diplomatic strain with migrant-source countries
International criticism for discriminatory visa or deportation policies
Human rights concerns
What Measures Has India Taken to Address Illegal Immigration?
1. National Register of Citizens (NRC)
First created in Assam in 1951
Aimed at identifying and addressing illegal immigration
2. Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
Grants the Central Government powers to regulate:
Entry and exit of foreigners
Passport and travel document requirements
How Should India Respond to Rising Global Anti-Immigration Trends?
1. Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement
India must work with countries like the U.S., Australia, Japan, and EU states to ensure:
Fair visa norms
Protection of Indian workers
Safe and legal migration channels
2. Leverage Diaspora Diplomacy
India should use its global diaspora by:
Increasing outreach through embassies
Promoting cultural diplomacy
Highlighting Indian contributions globally
3. Strengthen Domestic Employment Opportunities
Creating more high-quality jobs in:
IT
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Research
Emerging sectors
Initiatives to support this:
Make in India
Skill India
Startup India
These reduce push factors prompting youth to migrate.
4. Counter Misinformation and Xenophobia
India can collaborate with international digital platforms to:
Flag fake news targeting migrants
Promote verified migration data
Address social media–driven moral panic
The rise of anti-immigration policies reflects deeper concerns—economic anxiety, cultural insecurity, demographic shifts, and political populism. For India, a nation with one of the world’s largest diasporas, managing this global trend requires a balanced and strategic approach.
Through robust diplomacy, fact-based policymaking, domestic job creation, and digital cooperation, India can safeguard its migrants abroad while promoting safe, fair, and inclusive migration pathways.
Migration, when managed responsibly, remains a powerful engine of economic growth, global talent exchange, and international cooperation.
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