Myth: Migrants move to the UK just to claim social security benefits. They take advantage of the social security system rather than contributing to it.

Fact: Immigrants are less likely to claim welfare benefits and to live in social housing than people born in the UK. Migrants also make a positive contribution to the UK fiscal system by paying more income taxes than they receive in direct and indirect transfers. (University College London Report on the benefits of immigration, 2010)

Myth: Londoners do not like migrants and are against receiving more of them.
Fact: Londoners are more accepting of migrants than residents in the rest of the country. In fact, Londoners are used to living in a multicultural environment, and can see the benefits in having a mixture of people from different backgrounds living in the capital. (Migration Watch UK, 2010, ‘British Views on Migration’)

Myth: The British public is generally against immigration.
Fact: Fear and Hope, the report by Searchlight Educational Trust, published a report demonstrating a strong correlation between economic pessimism and negative attitudes towards immigration. This shows that the British public is not afraid of immigration itself, but of how it will impact the economic situation (Fear and Hope Report, February 2011)

Myth: Refugees get hostels and housing immediately and UK nationals lose out.

Fact: When people come to the UK seeking asylum, many are housed temporarily in B&Bs, whilst their case is assessed. They are called ‘Asylum seekers’ at this point still and are not yet officially ‘Refugees’. If they are successful, they become ‘Refugees’ and achieve Limited Leave to remain for up to 5 years. Some achieve Indefinite Leave to Remain, but still must pass the citizenship test to get a UK passport.  If they achieve Leave to Remain, all must then leave the B&B they have been temporarily granted, and are then effectively homeless. Migrants Rights 2011