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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Jon Henley Europe correspondent

Many Europeans mistakenly think most immigrants are illegal, poll shows

Immigration YouGov
Protesters hold placards during the demonstration. Stand Up to Racism UK in Lonodn.
Protesters hold placards in support of migrants and refugees at a demonstration in London. Photograph: Belinda Jiao/Sopa Images/Rex/Shutterstock

Many Europeans mistakenly think most migrants are in their country illegally, according to a poll that found overwhelming opposition to any increase in migration and strong support for a significant reduction in numbers, including deportation.

Pluralities or majorities of between 44% and 60% of respondents polled in a survey by YouGov in Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain said they thought “many” or “somewhat” more migrants were staying illegally than legally.

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