The Citizen Should Come First. Argumentative and Rhetorical Strategies in the Public Consultation Process on Refugee Rights
The Citizen Should Come First. Argumentative and Rhetorical Strategies in the Public Consultation Process on Refugee Rights

Summary/Abstract: Public consultations have become an important forum for negotiating policies towards immigrants and refugees in Poland. This article analyses the public consultations conducted in 2025 around two proposed amendments to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens. 332 people took part in the procedure. The article shows the main arguments related to the participation of foreigners in the institutions of the welfare state, including the criteria for deserving benefits. In many aspects, they coincide with the typology formulated by Wim van Oorschot (2000). Deservingness is assessed according to the criteria of identity (primarily based on citizenship), recipients' responsibility for their situation, the level of their needs, their gratitude, and reciprocity. In addition, the analysis of the narratives revealed one more criterion of deservingness: this is the criterion of financial burden. Namely, the argument that people in need for a short period of time are more accepted than those in need for a longer period of time resonates strongly in the consultations, and the high burden of assistance on the state budget is cited as an argument against social transfers. The public debate on benefits for Ukrainians has deeper significance than being a politicized dispute over welfare benefits for a group within the refugee community. It may be important in determining what welfare state model is accepted in Poland.

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