The Undeserving Polish Migrants

Homeless Polish migrants in the UK face multiple challenges, including low wages, exploitative working conditions, and discrimination. Limited access to housing support further complicates their ability to break free from homelessness. However, the struggle goes beyond finding a physical place to live. Home is deeply tied to identity, emotional security, and a sense of belonging. The phrases ‘Home is where the heart is’ and ‘Show me your home, and I will tell you who you are’ reflect how home represents more than shelter—it embodies stability, comfort, and personal connections. Yet, for homeless migrants with limited social support, creating these emotional bonds can be difficult. Without stability, they remain disconnected, making it harder to establish a sense of home and belonging.

The Undeserving Polish Migrants: Homeless in a Place Called Home, Magdalena Brzeska explores the lived experiences of homeless Polish migrants in the UK, shedding light on how negative social attitudes and marginalisation shape their struggles with home, identity, and belonging. The book examines how immigration policies intersect with homelessness, reinforcing exclusion and instability. Brzeska argues that greater social inclusion is essential to addressing these challenges while also highlighting gaps in current policies for non-British-born homeless populations and the need for clearer regulations.

This study offers valuable insights for professionals in sociology, social work, homelessness advocacy, policymaking, immigration studies, and community development. It is an essential resource for those seeking to understand and address the barriers faced by homeless migrants.