I want to continue the topic of people who left Ukraine — the migrants. I categorically disagree with the rhetoric of some politicians and bloggers who claim that most migrants will stay abroad after the war ends. I’m convinced that 80% of those who left will come back. Some people — including military personnel — may leave after the war to reunite with their families, but one way or another, most of them will return home within the next 3–5 years.

⁠⁠If you are an emigrant — you are an outsider. Always and forever, in the eyes of those who were born and raised in their own country. Even if you are protected by law, have documents, or even a passport — your rights are temporary. The recent events in Russia prove this, where Azerbaijanis are being expelled and stripped of citizenship. Any country in the world can suddenly decide that you are “dangerous” and deny you your rights.

Today, we are witnessing sharp intolerance toward migrants in European countries and the U.S., which are increasingly drifting to the right. And this is not an abstraction — it’s a political trend that will define migration policy for years to come. Look: Poland has elected a right-wing president. Hungary, Austria, Italy, Sweden, France, Germany — all either already have or are preparing for right-conservative governments. Hungary, Romania, Slovakia — their stance is clear. The U.S. also shows growing intolerance toward migrants. This means that at some point, for example, Poland may decide that the cause of its (possible) economic decline lies with Ukrainian migrants. And it could expel everyone overnight — regardless of their circumstances. There are already signs of this. The phrase “they came here” is being heard more and more often in different countries.

People and soldiers who left after the war will not be able to accept the status of guest workers instead of being Heroes of the War in Ukraine. They will come back. Pensioners will face reduced benefits — they will come back too. The working population will return because post-war Ukraine will offer more opportunities and higher wages. We already feel this trend beginning to form.

Ultimately, history teaches us that it’s better to build your own country than to be the fifth wheel in someone else’s — where you are not a full-fledged citizen, but merely an addition, constantly living in uncertainty. Remember the 1930s and the persecution of Jews — the ghettos in the heart of Europe. Back then, Jews were blamed for Europe’s problems. Today, Mexicans are blamed for America’s problems — and tomorrow, Ukrainians could just as easily be blamed for the problems of the country they live in.

Living abroad means living in constant uncertainty and hoping that nothing happens. But it doesn’t mean living and breathing freely, feeling part of your country’s recovery and prosperity. Only at home will you truly be safe.

Read the article on NV.