Why?

(Try to find out what feelings and needs are alive in the other person: empathic resonance)

Are you feeling irritated/angry because you like to have financial security? Don’t you feel secure in your own job?
I guess what you’re saying is that you are irritated/angry because you think there will be an economic problem with immigrants. You like to have financial security, is that what you are saying?

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What if?

(‘Mirror questions’: how would it be if you were standing in the shoes of that person)

Do you know immigrants in your neighbourhood? Can you imagine how it is for them to have left their own country because there was no work for them and they so much wanted to have their own income?

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Self-reflection

(Questions you can ask yourself in silence to support yourself in understanding the other person)

How important is financial security for me?
When do I need financial or job security?
How do I feel when this need is not fulfilled?

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Empowerment

(More information on the issue and tips how to explore the problem and continue the discussion)

Within the European Union, any citizen of the Union may work in any Member State of which he or she is not a national under the same conditions as those laid down for employment.
Immigrants create many jobs; there is a high proportion of self-employed people and entrepreneurs. Do not forget: They are as many consumers and taxpayers as we are, so they are contributing to our society as well as any other citizen.