No. Seeking asylum is not illegal. Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, people have a legal right to seek asylum, including those arriving by small boats. They are exercising an internationally recognised right.
No. Asylum seekers cannot access normal benefits. They receive only minimal support (around £7 per day) and are usually not allowed to work, even though many want to.
There is no evidence that asylum seekers are more likely to commit crimes than the general population. Most are fleeing violence and persecution and want the same safety and protection we want for our families.
No. They cannot choose where they live. They are placed in temporary accommodation by the UK Government and do not take priority over council housing lists.
These myths are often repeated, but they don’t stand up to the facts. People seeking sanctuary are fleeing poverty, war, and persecution. They deserve accurate information and fair treatment.