This is what I mean. There has been no policy of "allowing millions into the country in an orgy of performative empathy". It is quite hard for someone from outside the EU to obtain residency. There are some exceptions like former colonies being allowed easier migration which is only fair.

There has been one incident during the Syrian war where Angela Merkel said "wir schaffen das" but there was no coordinated grant of immigration rights in any way. And these were mostly legitimate refugees from the Syrian war.

Europe hasn't forgotten that many of us once were refugees not too long ago.

It's a problem because the right-wing keep blowing it out of proportion, but it's only based on racist underbelly feelings.