Trump’s rhetoric will fuel demonization of migrants in Europe, warns head of refugee charity

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – The return of US President-elect Donald Trump will “normalize the appalling language” against refugees, fueling further demonization of asylum seekers and refugees across Europe, according to the head of Care4Calais, a leading refugee charity.

Despite growing warnings from non-governmental organizations, the migration issue is again dominating the EU’s agenda as member states seek a more hardline approach to tackling it.

The tone on migration has notably shifted in the bloc as EU leaders reaffirmed last month that it is essential to firmly combat illegal and irregular migration, terming it a challenge for all Europeans.

Care4Calais CEO Steven Smith warned that Europe’s tightening anti-migration policies are still focusing on the wrong aspect of the issue, as they seem “to deal with what comes out of the pipeline at the receiving end.”

“The demonization of asylum seekers and refugees is quite horrific, but very little attention is given to what’s caused this in the first place. Very little attention is given to the number of casualties in constant wars that are going on around the globe,” he told Anadolu.

“It is these things that are driving people into absolute desperation – fleeing from war, conflict, violence, persecution, trafficking, torture, modern-day slavery … It’s the start of the situation that’s important, but people keep focusing on the end of the situation.”

On Trump’s reelection, Smith said his policies and rhetoric will have a possible negative impact on attitudes towards asylum seekers and refugees around the world.

“My biggest concern about the Trump victory is that it normalizes the appalling language that is used to demonize asylum seekers and refugees,” he said.

During his first term, Trump “constantly spoke about building the wall to keep immigrants out from crossing the line from Mexico into the US,” he continued.

“He will continue that and he will get worse. He will normalize that language, and it will encourage others around the globe, not least in Europe, fascist parties in Europe, to continue using the same language,” Smith added.

- Safety, not deterrence, should be the focus

On the rise in anti-migrant sentiment in the EU, Smith noted that people seem to be too easily swayed by false information, lies, and distortions.

“They seem to be interested only in feathering their own nests. They don’t seem to appreciate humanitarian concerns. They don’t seem to appreciate compassion. There’s very much a selfish influence creeping into the way people treat asylum seekers and refugees,” he said.

Regarding the UK’s stance under the Labour government, he said there have been some encouraging steps since July, including the scrapping of the controversial Rwanda migrant deportation plan and the use of the Bibi Stockholm barge to house asylum seekers.

However, there also several disappointing signs, he said, including the “continuing reference to deterrence, to smash the gangs, to stop the boats coming across.”

“The people who come with these people smugglers, they’re absolutely desperate. So, to say that, ‘We’re going to smash the gangs,’ they will always find a way, because they’re seeking safety,” said Smith.

As of last week, nearly 33,000 people had crossed the English Channel to get to the UK this year, a figure significantly greater than the total of around 29,400 in 2023.

If all safe routes are blocked, then people will seek any means to get to safety, including more dangerous routes, Smith emphasized, calling on the government to instead work to “implement those safe routes.”

“It’s quite clear that deterrence isn’t working. People are going to put their lives on the line because these are people who are fleeing for their lives. So, saying that you’re going to smash the gangs, that’s not going to deter them,” he added.