Refugee crisis makes life harder for Muslims in Hungary | Hungary: Europe’s Borderland

Photo by Mauricio Casillas and Carolina Marquez / Cronkite Borderlands Project

Refugee crisis makes life harder for Muslims in Hungary

By Mauricio Casillas and Carolina Marquez / Cronkite Borderlands Project

Published July 11, 2016

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Life is different for Muslims living in Hungary since the refugee crisis in 2015 when tens of thousands of predominantly Muslim migrants passed through the country before the government took tough steps to stop the flow. Muslims, who account for less than 1 percent of Hungary's population of 10 million, had lived peacefully and in relative obscurity but the refugee crisis changed all that.

A small Roma boy. (Photo by Amanda LaCasse)

Two villages, two countries, same hard lives

Two villages in two countries reveal the difficulties Roma face in light of a lack of education, a history of discrimination and prejudice.

Muslim man praying (Photo by Mauricio Casillas and Carolina Marquez)

Life harder for Muslims in Hungary after refugee crisis

Life is different for Hungarian Muslims after tens of thousands of migrants passed through the country.

About half of the families in the “Numbered Streets,” a poor neighborhood in Miskolc, Hungary, have been evicted from their homes. The evictions began in May 2014 after the local government made an amendment to a decree on publicly subsidized local income housing areas. (Photo by Sean Logan)

Local government evicts 'Numbered Streets' families

Families in a poor Miskolc neighborhood were evicted after an amendment to a decree on publicly subsidized low-income housing.

The last train of refugees through the Balkans. (Photo by Courtney Pedroza)

The last train of refugees through the Balkans

After thousands of refugees passed through the region on their way to Europe, the popular route was closed to curb migration.

A view of the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Courtney Pedroza)

History continues to impact Hungarian politics

Hungarian views on refugees, politics and identity are inescapably colored by the nation’s conflicted past.

Some refugees have integrated successfully with Hungarian daily life, despite challenges. (Photo by Cammeron Neely)

Despite fewer migrants, refugees' impact remains

The number of migrants passing over the Hungarian border has dropped, but the impact of refugees within the country remains.

Children and adults stand outside their homes and socialize on the main walkway through the Gypsy ghetto in Slovakia. (Photo by Courtney Pedroza)

History of discrimination against Roma continues

Roma say that prejudice, ranging from derogatory slurs on the playground to deadly hate crimes, is a fact of daily life.

Mohammed Abu Saleh, right, and his father fled Syria, leaving behind his sister and mother. The family was reunited in Austria. (Photo by Courtney Pedroza/Cronkite Borderlands Project)

Hungary builds fence to slow the flow of refugees

The Syrian crisis forced the European Union to alter its 30-year-old 'Schengen' policy of passport-free, borderless travel.

The refugee crisis has created more tension politically within Hungary and in the European Union. (Photo by Rian Bosse)

Orban's majority rule faces splintered opposition

A fractured left-wing and struggling far-right Jobbik party pose little threat to Prime Minister Orban's administration.

The exterior of the camp is enclosed with a chain link and razorwire fence. (Photo by Nicole Tyau)

In limbo: Refugees entering Hungary illegally

Migrants who crossed illegally into Hungary face an uncertain future after the deportation process in the country's courts.

Some believe lack of education among Roma throughout the country is setting up a massive socio-economic crisis for Hungary. (Photo by Amanda LaCasse)

High drop-out rate is a vicious cycle for Roma

In Roma schools and villages, high drop-out rates and a lack of education lead to troubled futures for youth.

Despite a lack of support from the government, local activists in Budapest are fighting the spread of drug use and disease. (Photo by Courtney Pedroza)

Needles: Budapest's fight against drug use

Despite a lack of government support, activists in Budapest try to combat drug use and the spread of disease.

A view of Budapest and the Danube River. (Photo by Samantha Gauvain)

Proposed laws target refugees and asylum seekers

A legislative package pending before the Hungarian Parliament would discourage refugees and asylum seekers from staying in Hungary.

Parviz Khyber and his family have integrated well into Hungary since immigrating from Afghanistan. (Photo by Cammeron Neely/Cronkite Borderlands Project)

Integration difficult for few refugees granted asylum

The few refugees granted asylum by the Hungarian government often struggle to assimilate and find acceptance in the country.

The fence along the Serbian and Hungarian border (Photo by Rian Bosse)

Life in the borderlands changed after refugee crisis

Some Hungarians embraced incoming migrants, while others were dismayed by being on the frontlines of the movement.

A view of statue of the German imperial Eagle attacking an angel which is meant to represent the Hungarian victims of the Nazis at Freedom Square in Budapest on March 6, 2016. (Photo by Kelcie Grega/Cronkite Borderlands Project)

Hungarian Jews: grappling with the past and present

Hungarian Jews grapple with commemorating their heritage and overcoming anti-Semitism they still face in their country.

Published July 11, 2016. The Cronkite School has been covering immigration and border issues since 2006 with the generous support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

Buffett student projects include: Nicaragua: Channeling the Future | Chiapas: State of Revolution | Two Borders | Puerto Rico: Unsettled Territory | Stateless in the Dominican Republic | South Africa: At the Crossroads of Hate and Hope | South Africa Documentary | Borderlands Photo Essays | Divided Families (PDF) | Divided Families Documentary | Children of the Borderlands | South Africa Project

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