The increasing hatred and protests against immigrants in Australia, England, Canada, and the United States have heightened concerns among immigrant communities. This surge in hostility is largely driven by population growth, economic downturns, and job scarcity.
SNPNEWS.IN News Update Sep 25: Since 2000, economically strong countries like Australia, England, Canada, and the United States have seen a significant influx of immigrants, not only from developing nations but also from war-torn Arab countries. Initially, governments and corporations in these countries welcomed cheap labor, relaxing regulations and encouraging immigration. Those who passed English language tests like IELTS or PTE were admitted for education, paying $20,000–$40,000, while others resorted to illegal means, spending double to enter these nations.
The global economy was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and these countries were not spared. Post-COVID, there has been a noticeable rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and hate crimes. Political rhetoric, media campaigns, events like COVID-19, the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, unemployment, housing crises, and strained infrastructure have fueled this trend. Since 2020, large-scale protests against immigrants have emerged in these countries.
The influx of young immigrants from Asian developing nations, coupled with their involvement in protests and occasional violent behavior, has alienated local populations. Locals have increasingly blamed immigrants for societal issues, and hate-filled political rhetoric on social media and public platforms has become a significant threat to immigrant communities.
Country-Specific Overview of Anti-Immigrant Hatred and Protests-:
■ Australia:
● In 2025, widespread anti-immigrant protests and hate were observed, with thousands demonstrating in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, and Townsville. Hateful slogans, speeches, and instances of violence were reported.
● Fueled by housing crises and job competition, with Indian immigrants particularly targeted.
● Far-right groups like the National Socialist Network incited violence, with neo-Nazi symbols displayed.
● Notable incidents: Sydney saw one police officer attacked, and Melbourne reported four injuries at Camp Sovereignty. Six arrests were made in Melbourne.
■ Canada:
● Anti-immigration protests surged in 2024-2025, linked to housing crises, job shortages, and economic pressures. By 2024, 58% of Canadians viewed immigration as excessive and detrimental. Some protests turned violent.
● Far-right groups like “Canada First” led protests, with the Toronto rally on September 13, 2025, seeing 100–300 participants overwhelmed by thousands of counter-protesters. Ten arrests were made for assault and disturbances.
● Government reduced permanent resident targets to 395,000 for 2025, reflecting public pressure.
■ United States:
● After President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, immigrants felt increasingly unsafe due to his administration’s mass deportation policies and ICE raids. Pro-immigrant protests emerged, labeled as “violent threats” by the administration, prompting National Guard deployment.
● Pro-immigrant protests in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Denver, and other cities saw thousands rallying against ICE raids. Over 100 arrests in Los Angeles and 110 in New York, with curfews imposed.
● Trump’s rhetoric scapegoated immigrants for crime and economic issues, escalating tensions.
■ England:
● In 2024-2025, anti-mass immigration protests targeted asylum hotels with slogans like “Send Them Home.” A record 1,11,084 asylum applications in 2025 fueled tensions, with locals demanding government action.
● The “Unite the Kingdom” march in London on September 13, 2025, drew 1,00,000–1,50,000 people, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Counter-protests by “Stand Up to Racism” saw 5,000 participants. Violence led to 25 arrests and 26 police injuries.
● Epping protests targeted an asylum hotel, with 18 arrests.
Key Drivers of Anti-Immigrant Hatred and Protests-:
● Economic and Social Pressures: Housing crises, job competition, and strained infrastructure have been blamed on immigrants. In Australia, net overseas migration, though reduced by 37%, remains high, fueling protests. Canada’s housing crisis and England’s asylum hotel controversies have similar effects.
● Political Rhetoric and Far-Right Influence: Inflammatory speeches by figures like Trump in the U.S., Reform UK in England, and conservative leaders in Canada have scapegoated immigrants. Far-right groups like Canada First and the National Socialist Network in Australia have amplified hate.
● Media and Social Media: Misinformation spread by media outlets and figures like Elon Musk has exacerbated tensions. Social media platforms, including X, have been used to organize protests and spread anti-immigrant narratives.
● Global Events: The COVID-19 pandemic, Israel-Hamas conflict, and Russia-Ukraine war have heightened economic and social anxieties, with immigrants often blamed. In England, the Israel-Hamas conflict increased anti-Muslim hate by 13%.
● Immigrant Behavior: Protests by young immigrant students, sometimes involving disruptive or violent actions, have alienated locals, particularly in Australia and Canada, contributing to anti-immigrant sentiment.
These protests have heightened racial tensions, particularly instilling fear in Indian and Asian communities. In Australia, Indian immigrants were explicitly targeted, while in England, Muslim and asylum seekers faced hostility. In the U.S., undocumented immigrants live in fear of deportation, while Canada’s South Asian communities feel unsafe. Counter-protests, such as those in Canada and England, show significant resistance to hate, but the rise of far-right groups remains a concern. Experts warn that continued economic pressures and political rhetoric could escalate violence.