Some useful clarification
1. Asylum seekers are illegal immigrants.
Labelling asylum seekers as ‘illegal’ is a misnomer that contradicts international law. Their mode of entry, while often irregular due to a lack of safe pathways, does not make their claim for protection illegal.
2. They’re just here to claim benefits.
Asylum-seekers are not a drain on the benefits system as the UK system is specifically designed so that asylum seekers cannot access the mainstream benefits system. The limited support provided is a necessity for those who would otherwise be destitute, not an incentive.
3. The UK takes in more asylum seekers than anyone else.
The data from leading international organisations and official government statistics consistently shows that the UK is not the top recipient of asylum seekers. The notion that the UK bears the greatest burden is a myth, and the real responsibility continues to fall disproportionately on much poorer countries closer to world conflicts.
4. Most asylum claims are fake.
Characterising asylum claims as ‘mostly fake’ is categorically contradicted by the government’s own data. The fact that 76% of initial decisions and 47% of appeals result in a grant of protection proves that the UK system itself identifies a large majority of applicants as legitimate refugees fleeing persecution, not as fraudulent claimants.
5. Asylum seekers are a burden.
Framing asylum seekers solely as a ‘burden’ ignores the overwhelming evidence of their long-term economic contribution and social value. With the right policies to overcome initial barriers, they are an investment in the nation’s future workforce, public services, and cultural diversity.
6. They should apply from abroad.
The option to ‘apply from abroad’ is a myth for all but a very small, hand-picked number of people via resettlement programmes. The international protection framework, which the UK is part of, is designed precisely because refugees are often forced to escape first and formalise their status later, upon reaching a safe country.
7. They are all young men.
Characterising all asylum seekers as “young men” ignores the significant number of women and children seeking safety. The demographic imbalance is often a tragic reflection of the deadly dangers of the journey, with many men travelling first as pioneers to eventually secure safe passage for their vulnerable family members through legal channels. The record number of Refugee Family Reunion visas proves this is a common and intended outcome of the protection system.
8. They get housing ahead of locals.
The claim that asylum seekers jump the queue for council houses is a myth. They are housed under a different legal framework in temporary accommodation and are legally prohibited from accessing the social housing system until they are granted refugee status. The two systems operate in parallel and do not compete for the same resources.
9. They must stay in the first safe country.
The belief that asylum seekers are legally required to claim asylum in the first safe country is a myth. International law affords them the right to seek asylum in a country of their choosing, and many have sound, humane reasons for wanting to build a new life in the UK, such as reuniting with family or speaking the language.
10. We need to protect our women and children from asylum seekers.
The claim that asylum seekers are a threat to women and children is a baseless and damaging myth. It is refuted by crime statistics, the known vulnerabilities of the asylum-seeking population, and the rigorous security screening they undergo. This rhetoric risks harming people who have already experienced profound trauma and are seeking the same safety and security we all desire for our families.
This information is adapted from ‘Fact-checking Asylum: Evidence over Misconception’ by Raj Burman (2025) the full version of which can be downloaded here: https://www.communityworks.org.uk/app/uploads/2025/08/Fact-Checking-Asylum_August-2025.pdf
Additional resources can be found on the Community Works website page: Standing in Solidarity against anti-migrant activity in our communities