Imitation in the constitution of the Polish policy of integration of foreigners

In this paper I analyze the materialization and public debate over the “Polish Migration Policy – current stage and the recommended actions” document, and the parts regarding the integration of immigrants in particular. I apply a neoinstitutional theoretical framework which allows me to conceptualize the mechanisms of the Europeanization process, and show that the integration policy is mainly developed by imitating the instruments promoted by the European Commission. I study imitation by applying the notions of translation and editing. This allows me to understand how the imitated model is adapted in the local context. The non-governmental organizations which commented on the document perceived the European model as suited for imitation. The public debate over the “Migration Policy of Poland” contributed to further strengthening and adaptation of the imitated model.

Mikołaj Pawlak