Law and Acculturation Among Slavic Migrants in Poland: Thematic Analysis

This chapter provides a thematic examination of the multifaceted experiences of long-term Slavic migrants in Poland. It begins with an analysis of citizenship, challenging its traditional role as a primary marker of successful integration and highlighting the legal and social barriers that can diminish its value for migrants. The labor market section explores the significant challenges migrants face in accessing employment, particularly within low-skilled jobs and a dual labor market system, emphasizing the importance of social support in overcoming these barriers. The chapter also delves into the interactions between migrants and street-level bureaucracy, revealing how administrative practices can either reinforce exclusion or foster inclusivity. In the domain of education, it highlights the role of universities in both supporting and hindering migrant students, particularly those pursuing higher education. The discussion extends to issues of intolerance, xenophobia, and hostility, providing a nuanced understanding of how societal and institutional attitudes affect migrants’ experiences of discrimination. Additionally, the chapter examines the healthcare system, identifying both the opportunities it offers for integration and the difficulties migrants encounter in accessing culturally appropriate care. Finally, it focuses on migrants of Polish origin, critically assessing the Pole’s Card policy and the complex identities of those with ancestral ties to Poland.