Being anti-immigrant is politically lucrative but misses the point

Far-right parties across Europe have slightly advanced in terms of their popularity by actively scaring people: immigrants will take over, immigration represents a threat to society. And, to their credit, it often works - just look at the recent elections in Austria. On the surface the arguments make sense “they come here, you see, with different values and traditions, different religions, even a different appearance”. The average person continues the logical chain: they take our jobs, gain access to the healthcare and social protection systems, etc.