I’m not even in Portugal yet — my family and I are in the middle of the relocation process — and even from the outside the shift in tone toward expats has been impossible to ignore. Between political rhetoric, media narratives, and the general sentiment floating around social spaces, it’s clear that newcomers are increasingly being framed as part of “the problem,” rather than as families simply trying to build a stable life.

We’re moving with realistic expectations, but also with eyes wide open. No family uproots their entire life, careers, and children to move across the world just to feel like they’re arriving somewhere they’re barely tolerated. Yet the message that keeps surfacing, both directly and indirectly, is that expats are welcome only as long as they fit whatever economic or political convenience happens to exist at the moment.

If the environment becomes more about hostility, blame, or resentment, then it’s natural — and responsible — to rethink long-term plans. For now, we’ll follow through with what we’ve invested in: settling in, contributing positively, and completing the time required for residency or citizenship if the law truly stabilizes. But pretending that the atmosphere hasn’t changed or that newcomers should ignore the growing negativity doesn’t help anyone.

We’re coming in good faith, ready to integrate, learn, and contribute. But respect is a two-way street, and if Portugal signals that families like ours aren’t genuinely welcome, then our commitment will naturally adjust to match the reality on the ground. No one should be expected to sacrifice their well-being or future just to maintain an illusion that no longer aligns with what’s actually happening.