'Stop blaming immigrants for our problems!' - Dozens rally in Houten backing new asylum seekers' centre

'Stop blaming immigrants for our problems!' - Dozens rally in Houten backing new asylum seekers' centre

"Dozens of demonstrators gathered in Houten on Tuesday to show support for the construction of a new asylum seekers’ centre. Footage shows protesters chanting slogans, waving flares, and holding signs, while officers patrol on horseback and maintain order. "No one is illegal, and borders are just made up. And we need to protect people, not borders. Immigrants and refugees are not the issues or the causes of our problems. Failing policy, extreme right policy of fascism is," a protester said. "Some people blame immigrants for, for instance, the lack of houses. So, you know, basically what we’re experiencing is the result of decades of neoliberal policy. These people have been f*cked over. We’ve been f*cked over, but they’re blaming foreigners for it. That's the problem," added a second. The protest, organised by 'Refugees Welcome Houten', aims to back the municipality’s plans to house 337 asylum seekers at Essenkade for 15 years. Supporters say the town should contribute to the national effort, citing existing refugee accommodation. Opponents also held their own counter-demonstration, raising concerns about overcrowding and concentrating asylum seekers in one location. A second pro-asylum demonstration is planned next week, with clashes expected between the two groups."