Xenophobia—the irrational fear or hatred of foreigners or people from different cultural backgrounds—deeply intersects with migration experiences. It has significant implications for societies, individuals, and policymakers worldwide. Xenophobia is rooted in the fear of the unfamiliar, and migrants are often perceived as the “other.”

In many cases, xenophobia is fueled by economic fears, as some individuals worry that migrants and immigrants will compete for jobs and resources. While these fears are unfounded and have been proven time and again to be false, this perception continues to grow—leading to resentment and hostility towards newcomers. This is often made worse by harmful, right-wing extremism, emboldened nativist and nationalist rhetoric, and political manipulation.

At MIRR Alliance, our work focuses on dispelling myths about migration and engaging experts in dialogue about the legal and social implications of xenophobia. Now more than ever, our collective safety depends on the effective protection of the most vulnerable. Respect for the rights of all will maximize our success in building compassionate, inclusive, and resilient communities in an increasingly interconnected world.