Many Europeans mistakenly think most immigrants are illegal, poll shows

"Many Europeans mistakenly think most migrants are in their country illegally, according to a poll that found overwhelming opposition to any increase in migration and strong support for a significant reduction in numbers, including deportation. Pluralities or majorities of between 44% and 60% of respondents polled in a survey by YouGov in Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain said they thought there many or somewhat more migrants were staying illegally than legally."

"Estimates of people staying illegally in European countries are significantly lower than official figures for the foreign-born population. A 2023 study, for example, found that only 21% of immigrants in France had at one point been undocumented. In Poland, the only central European country surveyed, the public was divided, with 36% believing there were more illegal than legal migrants in the country against 28% who believed the opposite, and 22% who thought the proportions were the same."

"The seven-country survey found that majorities or near-majorities in all countries, ranging from 49% in Poland to 60% in Germany, favoured a large decrease in the number of migrants allowed to come to their country, with some still permitted. Graph Across the seven countries, about half between 46% and 53% said they supported a complete freeze on new arrivals entering the country, plus the departure of large numbers of recent migrants."

Across Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland large shares of the public believe more migrants are staying illegally than legally, with 44%–60% holding that view in Western European nations. Actual estimates of undocumented migrants are much lower, for example a 2023 study found only 21% of immigrants in France had ever been undocumented. Majorities or near-majorities in the surveyed countries favor a substantial reduction in migrant numbers, with 46%–53% supporting a complete freeze plus departures of recent migrants. Large majorities oppose significant increases, and many support deporting rule-breakers such as benefit claimants, irregular asylum seekers and people without valid work visas.

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