Un-welcome to Denmark: The Paradigm Shift and Refugee Integration explores how Denmark’s increasingly harsh migration regime has reshaped not only the lives of refugees but the wider fabric of Danish society. Centering on the so-called “paradigm shift”, the book examines how a policy trajectory geared towards deterrence over inclusion influences refugees’ opportunities, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Yet, the consequences extend far beyond those seeking protection. Welfare professionals—tasked with delivering support, fostering integration, and upholding ethical standards—find themselves working in a system where the political climate often undermines their professional judgement, constrains their practice, and places considerable emotional strain upon their daily work. At the same time, private-sector employers grappling with labour shortages face a paradox: while Denmark requires skilled and committed workers, restrictive rules and uncertain residency pathways hinder refugees’ ability to contribute fully to the labour market.

Drawing on policy and legal analysis, lived experiences, and institutional perspectives, the book reveals how this harsh migration regime reverberates across public services, workplaces, and communities. In this talk Michelle will critically interrogate the tensions between a nation’s humanitarian commitments and its political desire to project un-welcomeness, and reflect on what such a system means for democracy, cohesion, and the future of integration in Denmark.