A survey reveals the divided and erroneous perceptions that exist in Mexico about migration

What does the Mexican population think about human mobility? is the title of a survey carried out in Mexico by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) that revealed a series of erroneous or prejudiced ideas about human mobility.

In a context of a increasing irregular migration to MexicoUNHCR carried out the investigation as part of its strategy to promote inclusion and combat racism, discrimination and xenophobia.

The survey revealed that 85% of Mexicans believe that the people who are arriving in their communities left their countries of origin for economic reasons and that only the 10% think they had to migrate because of violence.

On the other hand, the UNHCR Protection Monitoring Report 2023 showed that more than 50% of people in an irregular situation left their countries due to violence, insecurity and threats.

45% of Mexicans surveyed responded that does not know the difference between a migrant personwho leaves their country mainly for economic reasons, and a refugeewho cannot be returned to her country because her life, safety or freedom would be in danger.

Advanced legislation

According to UNHCR, this result has an impact on perceptions towards the mobile population, since by ignoring the implications that being a refugee has for a person, their rights and the international obligations that the State has to protect them are ignored.

The Mexican legislation is among the most developed of the region and widely recognizes the rights of refugees; However, almost half of people consider that The rights of refugees and migrants are little or not respected.

In addition, the population is divided regarding what the government response should be towards refugees and migrants. He 51% said that the government must provide answers in accordance with your rights and needs; 32% said that they should only be allowed to transit quickly through Mexico, and 13% stated that the southern border should be closed and they should be expelled to their country.

Common prejudices

The survey showed the most common prejudices among the Mexican population regarding refugees and migrants: 52% think that the presence of refugees and migrants crime increases in his city; 48% believe that refugees and migrants reject the customs of the place where they arrive; and 41% agree that the presence of refugees and migrants on the streets causes an unpleasant environment.

Likewise, 34% answered that only refugees and migrants with high levels of education and capital should be employed economic, and 28% agreed that if there is unemployment, refugees and migrants should be denied work.

When asked how willing you would be to hire a refugee or migrant if you had a business, 35% responded “somewhat” and 34% “a lot.”

Asked about how much they consider that conflicts and tensions in society are due to differences due to being from another country, 27% of those surveyed said “a lot” and 37% “somewhat.”

The majority is willing to strengthen cultural ties

On the other hand, 80% declared they were willing to participate in activities to generate cultural ties with the mobile population, a fundamental attitude to overcome prejudices and stereotypes.

UNHCR argued that the survey findings underscore the need to promote peaceful coexistence strategies between people on the move and local communities to avoid fear and rejection of diversity.

In this sense, the UNHCR representative in Mexico maintained that evidence and reliable data are the best tools to counteract prejudices.

“The lack of real information is a friend of xenophobia,[en cambio] the knowledge of the real data favors inclusion“, added Giovanni Lepri.

Given the panorama of continuous arrivals of people who need asylum and protection, “it is essential to continue working in identify the causes of discrimination and reinforce actions to prevent and eradicate prejudices, stereotypes and stigmas towards refugees and migrants,” the specialized agency noted.

As part of this work, UNHCR will continue to promote the Days for Inclusion and Non-Discrimination, in which more than 1,100 public officials and 3,000 people have already participated, including Mexican journalists and businessmen.