Kylo might be right, or might not.
Now I have no experience with this situation specifically and am American. Having said that, however, populations do shift over time or even rapidly in some cases. Now IF there has been significant influx of a population that is ultra conservative to the area, that could start to affect things.
Now, is it immigrants? Maybe, maybe not. I would have to do a study to find out and I am too lazy. However, it could be a strong Nationalistic (normally conservative) movement pushing their agenda and then blaming immigrants for it too. There is evidence for that one as well...