I lived as an immigrant in 6 countries (Norway, Sweden, France, Austria, USA and Germany), and without exception there always have been moments where I was treated as lesser human. That is not to complain, but to say that this is the life of an immigrant, and no country is perfect.

Many issues are systemic and not related to bigotry, but rather to laws. Like orientation sessions where you are reminded that if you ever ask for any social benefits from the government, it can lead to denial of residency extension. Or not recognizing your passport as a valid identity document, limiting your access to services like bank accounts or postal services (like package pick-up from the post office). Even in cases like German unemployment: when employed, we pay contribution to Unemployment insurance, which then allows one to claim unemployment benefits for up to a year. But if you claim that money as an immigrant, even if you paid for it from your salary, that might prevent you applying for German citizenship in the future.

Other times, it’s the attitude of immigration or border control officers, demanding that we should be grateful (kinda reminded me the attitude of JD Vance towards Zelensky), telling us to get out if we can’t speak local language (even if we just arrived), hanging up on us when we call in desperation for help when our livelihood depends on their decision.

Oftentimes, it’s local businesses taking advantage of the vulnerable position of an immigrant, knowing that we are too afraid to call authorities or seek legal protection. Like taking our rent deposits without a cause, charging extra-large fees for faulty services, firing us with immediate effects without any faults in our work, or inviting us to move from abroad and then telling us that the offer is not there anymore because their big client churned — all real legal cases that happened to me and all were decided in my favor in court.

And just a special mention to the treatment of immigrant women: it is often assumed that I immigrated because I followed my husband, inexplicitly suggesting that I wouldn’t be able to get residency based solely on my own merit. From job