Away from the homeland : emigration, emigration policy and the policy towards the Polish community abrod during the time of the Second Polish Republic

The article outlines selected issues concerning emigration from Poland in the interwar period and the emigration policy of the Second Polish Republic. It also presents the policy of the Polish state towards Polish immigrant communities, as opposed to national minorities in neighboring states, and their situation in host countries. In addition, some attention has been given to legal regulations and political activities and institutions, most notably the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming at the strengthening of ties between Poland and Polish emigrants. It argues that despite political and personal conflicts, international political and diplomatic limitations, financial difficulties, and the increased assimilation among immigrant communities, alongside diplomatic and consular missions, a network of institutions and associations was formed, relatively efficiently managing the relations between Poland and Polish organized communities abroad.