In the summer of 2025, Fredrik Kopsch, the chief economist of Timbro, spends his vacation traveling across Sweden in an old Renault, deeply contemplating the ramifications of the country's migration policies. Rather than focusing on statistics, Kopsch interacts with those directly affected by these policies, including young individuals like Shardad and Gholam, and notably Fidan, a young woman born in Sweden who received a deportation order to Azerbaijan as she turned 18. Kopsch's experiences bring him face-to-face with the harsh realities of these policies, showcasing the emotional toll they exact on individuals and families.

One particularly difficult encounter was with Fidan, whose situation left Kopsch visibly shaken. He shares that during an interview in her living room, he broke down in tears, grappling with the weight of her reality. Fidan's mother describes the stark contrast between Sweden and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the severe life challenges her daughter would face if deported—especially the traditional expectations of forced marriage at a young age. Such personal stories evoke a poignant sense of empathy in Kopsch, who connects these experiences to his own parental instincts and fears, questioning the morality of current immigration practices.

Kopsch's journey represents a shift in perspective, as he admits to feeling disillusioned with right-wing ideologies regarding immigration. His firsthand accounts of the struggles faced by those affected by deportations lead him to reevaluate his views, raising broader questions about the ethical implications of Sweden's immigration policies and the urgency to address their humanitarian impacts. As he concludes his travels with these profound insights, Kopsch’s reflections urge a reconsideration of migration issues in Sweden, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate approach to policy-making.