MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT REFUGEES: REASONS FOR IRREGULAR BORDER CROSSING AND THE TRUTH ABOUT SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

Abstract

In this article, we aim to focus on and deal with two main myths about refugees. The first one is the myth that asylum seekers are allegedly law-breakers or even criminals, due to illegally crossing borders. The second myth that we address in the article is regarding the size of social assistance provided to asylum seekers and refugees. Both myths are found in host societies and are often invoked by xenophobic speakers in public debate.