Does Polish Origin Matter? The Integration Challenges of Polish Card Holders in Poland.

This paper discusses the process of obtaining the Polish Card; the functions attributed to the Card both by politicians and by its holders; the problems of integration faced by Card holders in Poland and the controversies surrounding introduction of the Card in Poland and Ukraine. The principal argument is that Karta Polaka has been transformed from a policy instrument supporting Polish minorities in the Post-Soviet countries into one facilitating access to the Polish labour market. Ultimately, it will lead to the cultural assimilation of the Card holders, especially those from the younger generation which have settled in Poland. The article is based both on desk research and on informal interviews with experts and knowledge gathered during my work at a non-governmental organisation that deals with the integration of migrants in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]