GENEVA (AN) — Public support for refugees has remained remarkably resilient despite years of political polarization, migration disputes and economic uncertainty, a new global survey suggests, but the debate is shifting from whether refugees deserve protection to whether asylum systems are working fairly and effectively.
An Ipsos survey of more than 21,500 people across 29 countries found that 66% of respondents believe people fleeing war or persecution should be able to seek refuge in another country, a drop of one percentage point from last year but broadly consistent with long-term trends. At the same time, 61% expressed the view that many people seeking refugee protection may be motivated by economic opportunities or welfare benefits rather than having a well-founded claim.
