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Some myth-busting around refugees & asylum seekers.
A Thread:
A Thread:
Last year, 79.5 million refugees were forced to flee their homes.
The UK took 20,339 refugees - just 0.026% of the world's refugees.
The UK took 20,339 refugees - just 0.026% of the world's refugees.
When someone claims asylum in the UK, they are allowed to wait here as the government looks at their case.
While this goes on, they receive ÂŁ37 a week (just ÂŁ5 a day) and this can drag on for years.
While this goes on, they receive ÂŁ37 a week (just ÂŁ5 a day) and this can drag on for years.
(This is a fraction of income support and way below the poverty line)
This expense is often mentioned in the same breath as immigration policy or net migration.
This confuses the issue, as asylum seekers are here for different reasons.
This confuses the issue, as asylum seekers are here for different reasons.
However, even when you break it down, the amount is very small.
ÂŁ5 a year per taxpayer, so just over a penny a day to help people who have fled traumatic and terrifying experiences, such as rape, torture and murder.
ÂŁ5 a year per taxpayer, so just over a penny a day to help people who have fled traumatic and terrifying experiences, such as rape, torture and murder.
Side note: it's highly unlikely anyone would risk their life, leave behind everything they know and everyone they love, for ÂŁ5 a day.
Under international law, anyone has the right to apply for asylum in any country that signed the 1951 Convention - and to remain there until authorities have assessed their claim.
It is also NOT illegal to cross the English Channel.
It is also NOT illegal to cross the English Channel.
Refugees are not migrants, nor illegal.
And they can't work, because they are *not allowed* to do so in this country.
And they can't work, because they are *not allowed* to do so in this country.
