Unwanted People and Desired Citizens. Contemporary Attitudes, Challenges and Perceptions of Migration and Integration

Since humanoids descended from the trees and adopted an erect posture, they began to move more. In fact, contrary to our culturally acquired lifestyles, we are biologically designed to move — not to cultivate the same plot of land annually or to sit in front of computer screens. Indeed, pre-Neolithic-revolution humans were constantly on the move, and the boundaries between families and tribes were fluid and ephemeral, especially considering that only several million humans existed worldwide. It’s only in the most recent epoch — a mere fraction of human history spanning the last 12,000 years — that we began to define our fields, territories, lands, provinces, countries, and states with recognizable and enduring borders. In modern times, these delineations are regulated by state apparatuses, underscored by both law and, when necessary, physical force. As a result, the illegal crossing of these man-made borders is penalized.

Integration is a multifaceted endeavor that plays a pivotal role in the narrative of migration. As newcomers seek refuge or better prospects in unfamiliar lands, the process of melding into the social fabric becomes paramount not just for the migrants but for the host communities as well. While integration demands adaptability and cultural acclimatization from migrants, it equally requires understanding, openness, and receptivity from the indigenous population. Properly managed integration can lead to rich cultural exchange, innovation, and economic benefits. Yet, if overlooked or mishandled, it may result in societal fractures and missed opportunities for both the newcomers and their host societies. In the European context, fostering a successful integration strategy is both a challenge and a necessity, ensuring that the dynamism brought by migrants complements the existing societal structures and adds to the collective strength of the continent.

Yet, numerous individuals find themselves constrained by these realities, particularly those who are forcibly displaced. Meanwhile, host populations often feel invaded and exploited. Thus, migration — an age-old catalyst for change — engenders tensions and conflicts. In present-day Europe, migration towards the continent is a prominent topic among policymakers, media commentators, and the general public. This issue is frequently manipulated for individual and political gains. Many perceive migration as an existential threat, leading to its securitization. Numerous media outlets and political parties cry “immigrants ante portas” evoking imagery of outsiders at the gates, reminiscent of the “savage” Carthaginian leader Hannibal threatening Western idyllic communities.

This book seeks to provide an objective and balanced perspective on migration and its associated phenomena, aiming to foster more informed and rational discussions about the nature and future of migration.

We hope this book offers both enlightenment and perspective.

Wishing you a thoughtful read.

Cezary Smuniewski

Andrea Zanini

Cyprian Aleksander Kozera

Błażej Bado

PDF

Agostino Massa, International Migration and Transnational Social Protection: Theory and Practice [PDF]

Ilona Urych, Migrations and Their Meaning for State (In)security. Outline of the Problem [PDF]

Cyprian Aleksander Kozera, Paweł Bernat, Cüneyt Gürer, Błażej Popławski, Immigrants Ante Portas and Desirability of People on the Move: Selective Perceptions of Forced Displacement and Voluntary Migration from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe [PDF]

Izabela Stańczuk, Legal Status of Foreigners in Light of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland [PDF]

Małgorzata Czerwińska, Freedom of Movement at the Regional Level [PDF]

Sławomir Chomoncik, Taking up Employment by Ukrainians in Poland. Polish Legal Status Before and After the Outbreak of Russia’s War Against Ukraine [PDF]

Przemysław Wywiał, Reliable Aid. Support of the Polish Armed Forces for Ukrainian War Refugees after 24 February 2022 [PDF]

Ewa Maria Marciniak, Ukrainians in Poland After the Outbreak of War. Possible Types of Social Presence [PDF]

Alina Betlej, Krzysztof Jurek, Iwona Niewiadomska, Integration of Ukrainian Immigrants in Poland. Analysis of Selected Problems [PDF]

Andrea Tomaso Torre, Between Perception and Reality. Migration to Italy in the Last 20 Years [PDF]

Maria Stella Rollandi, Andrea Zanini, Economic Interest and Good Government: Foreigners and Social Control in Early Modern Genoa [PDF]

Luisa Piccinno, Foreign Labor in the Port of Genoa: Privileges, Integration and Conflicts (15th–19th Centuries) [PDF]

Daniela Tarantino, “Migrating or Staying.” The Church’s Magisterium on the Migration Phenomenon in the Post-Covid Era for an “Inclusive” Citizenship [PDF]

Błażej Bado, Cezary Smuniewski, In Search of Freedom? Migrations of Pacifists According to Peter Brock [PDF]

Agostino Massa (University of Genoa)

Ilona Urych (War Studies University)

Cyprian Aleksander Kozera (University of South Wales)

Paweł Bernat (Polish Air Force University)

Cüneyt Gürer (George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies)

Błażej Popławski (Polish Africanist Society)

Izabela Stańczuk (War Studies University)

Małgorzata Czerwińska (War Studies University)

Sławomir Chomoncik (War Studies University)

Przemysław Wywiał (University of the National Education Commission in Kraków)

Ewa Maria Marciniak (University of Warsaw)

Alina Betlej (John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin)

Krzysztof Jurek (John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin)

Iwona Niewiadomska (John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin)

Andrea Tomaso Torre (Centro Studi Medì. Migrazioni nel Mediterraneo)

Maria Stella Rollandi (University of Genoa)

Andrea Zanini (University of Genoa)

Luisa Piccinno (University of Genoa)

Daniela Tarantino (University of Genoa)

Błażej Bado (University of Warsaw)

Cezary Smuniewski (University of Warsaw)