Survey Finds Europeans Overestimate Illegal Migration, Strongly Support Reducing Numbers

Survey Finds Europeans Overestimate Illegal Migration, Strongly Support Reducing Numbers
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A new survey suggests that many Europeans overestimate the number of migrants living illegally in their countries and overwhelmingly favour reducing migration, The Guardian reported. Conducted by YouGov across Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland, the poll highlights widespread misconceptions and strong public support for limiting both legal and illegal migration.

Pluralities or majorities in six of the seven countries—ranging from 44% to 60%—believed that more migrants were staying illegally than legally, despite official data indicating that the vast majority of immigrants are documented. For example, a 2023 study found only 21% of immigrants in France had ever been undocumented. In Poland, public opinion was more divided, with 36% perceiving more illegal than legal migrants, 28% the opposite, and 22% seeing the proportions as equal.

The survey found that between 49% and 60% of respondents across the countries supported a “large decrease” in migration, while roughly half also backed a complete freeze on new arrivals alongside the departure of recent migrants. Large majorities, from 64% to 82%, opposed any substantial increase in migrant numbers, with most also rejecting maintaining current levels, though Poland and Denmark were exceptions.

When asked which migrants should be deported, respondents prioritised those who had broken rules, claimed benefits, were irregular asylum seekers, or worked without valid visas. In contrast, deportation support for legally employed professionals, including doctors and highly skilled workers, was very low, with only 15%-24% of the most anti-migrant respondents favouring removal of doctors with work visas.

Despite strong support for reducing migration, respondents showed nuanced views when faced with economic trade-offs. Most preferred maintaining healthcare staffing, filling skilled vacancies, and attracting top talent over lowering migration. Far fewer considered economic growth, higher tax contributions, or humanitarian obligations sufficient reasons to maintain migration levels.

Views on migration’s impact varied by legality. Most respondents—56%-75%—believed illegal migration had harmed their country, while attitudes toward legal migration were mixed. Spaniards were the most positive, while French and Germans viewed legal migration less favourably. Concerns extended beyond economics to issues of identity, integration, and national values, suggesting that public sentiment on migration is shaped by broader social and cultural anxieties.