As its Immigration Week, Let’s Challenge the Fake News and the Lies

People can be gullible for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to approach this topic with empathy rather than judgment. Here are eight factors that might explain why some individuals are more susceptible to believing bigoted or misleading ideas:

1. Lack of Critical Thinking Skills: Some people may not have been taught or developed the ability to critically evaluate information. This can make them more likely to accept claims at face value, especially if they are presented convincingly.
2. Emotional Vulnerability: People who feel insecure, marginalised, or disillusioned may be more likely to latch onto ideologies that promise simple explanations or solutions to complex problems. Bigoted rhetoric often preys on fear, anger, or a desire for belonging.
3. Confirmation Bias: Humans tend to favour information that aligns with their existing beliefs. If someone already holds prejudiced views, they may be more inclined to believe bigoted ideas that reinforce their worldview.
4. Social Influence: Peer pressure, family upbringing, or cultural norms can play a significant role. If someone is surrounded by people who espouse bigoted views, they may adopt those beliefs to fit in or avoid conflict.
5. Misinformation and Propaganda: In the age of social media, false information can spread rapidly. People who are exposed to misleading or manipulative content may struggle to distinguish fact from fiction, especially if the source appears credible.
6. Lack of Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: Individuals who have limited interactions with people from different backgrounds may be more susceptible to stereotypes and bigoted ideas. Exposure to diverse viewpoints can challenge and broaden one’s understanding.
7. Cognitive Laziness: Evaluating complex issues requires mental effort. Some people may take mental shortcuts, relying on simplistic or emotionally charged narratives rather than engaging in deeper analysis.
8. Trust in Authority: If a trusted figure, such as a leader, celebrity, or community influencer, promotes bigoted ideas, their followers may be more likely to accept those views without question.

It’s important to remember that gullibility isn’t necessarily a permanent trait. Education, open dialogue, and exposure to diverse perspectives can help people develop a more critical and informed outlook. Rather than dismissing individuals as gullible, fostering understanding and providing support can be more effective in challenging harmful beliefs.

Although on occasions this proves to be very challenging.

The Conservative government reduced the number of staff employed to process asylum applications as part of ‘broader efforts to streamline the immigration system and cut public spending’. This decision was driven by the aim of ‘reducing bureaucracy’ and ‘improving efficiency’, with the government arguing that outdated processes and excessive staffing had led to delays and backlogs. However, critics contended that the cuts exacerbated the already slow processing times, leaving many asylum seekers in prolonged uncertainty. This meant that many were stuck in accommodation across the country waiting for their applications to be processed. The move was also seen as aligning with the government’s stricter immigration policies, which sought to deter illegal migration and prioritise controlled, skilled immigration. Despite the intention to ‘save costs’, the reduction in staff raised concerns about the system’s ability to handle applications fairly and promptly and led to a huge rise in the cost to the taxpayer.

The Conservative government, having made this huge error, only exacerbated it by creating headlines to distract from their incompetence and thus creating huge waves of tension across communities.

As a consequence the following bigotry and hate speech became normal for many:

Therefore more than ever the importance of:

Some FACTS to chew on:

Eight consequences of the UK leaving the EU on asylum applications

1. End of the Dublin Regulation: The Dublin Regulation allowed the UK to return asylum seekers to the first EU country they entered. Post-Brexit, the UK is no longer part of this agreement, making it harder to return asylum seekers to EU countries. This has increased the burden on the UK asylum system.
2. Increased Asylum Applications: With the end of free movement and stricter immigration controls, some individuals who might have previously moved to the UK for work or other reasons may now seek asylum instead. This has contributed to a rise in asylum applications.
3. Bilateral Agreements: The UK has sought to negotiate bilateral agreements with individual EU countries to manage asylum returns and cooperation. However, these agreements are not as comprehensive as the Dublin Regulation, leading to uncertainties and delays.
4. Channel Crossings: There has been a notable increase in the number of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in small boats. The UK’s departure from the EU has complicated efforts to address this issue, as joint operations and intelligence-sharing with EU countries have become more challenging.
5. Policy Changes: The UK government has introduced new immigration and asylum policies, such as the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which aims to create a firmer and fairer asylum system. However, these changes have been controversial, with critics arguing that they could undermine the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.
6. Processing Delays: The UK asylum system has faced significant backlogs and delays in processing applications. The changes post-Brexit have added to these challenges, leaving many asylum seekers in limbo for extended periods.
7. Detention and Removal: The UK has increased its focus on detaining and removing individuals who do not have the right to stay. This has led to concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers and the conditions in detention centres.
8. Public and Political Debate: Brexit has intensified the debate around immigration and asylum in the UK. The government faces pressure to control borders while also upholding international obligations to protect refugees. This has led to a polarised political environment and varying public opinions.

Ten reasons why asylum seekers are often predominantly male

1. Greater Exposure to Danger: Men are more likely to be directly targeted in conflict zones, conscripted into armed forces, or subjected to political persecution, prompting them to flee.
2. Physical Demands of the Journey: The journey to seek asylum is often perilous, involving long distances, harsh conditions, and the risk of exploitation. Men are generally perceived as better able to endure these physical challenges.
3. Cultural Norms and Gender Roles: In many societies, men are expected to take on the role of protector and provider. This can lead to men being the first to leave their home countries to seek safety and stability for their families.
4. Economic Responsibilities: Men are often the primary breadwinners in their families. Seeking asylum may be seen as a way to secure economic opportunities abroad to support loved ones back home.
5. Fear of Gender-Based Violence: Women and girls face higher risks of sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation during migration. Families may therefore be reluctant to send female members on such dangerous journeys.
6. Legal and Social Barriers: In some countries, women may face restrictions on their ability to travel independently, making it harder for them to seek asylum without male accompaniment.
7. Military Conscription: In conflict zones, men are often forcibly conscripted into armed groups or face persecution for refusing to join. This can force them to flee to avoid violence or imprisonment.
8. Perceived Better Chances of Success: Men may believe they have a better chance of being granted asylum due to stereotypes about their ability to integrate into the workforce or contribute to the host country’s economy.
9. Family Decision-Making: Families may prioritise sending male members ahead to establish a safe environment before bringing over women, children, or elderly relatives.
10. Survivorship Bias: Men are more likely to survive the hazardous journey due to a combination of physical resilience and societal expectations, leading to a higher proportion of male asylum seekers reaching their destination.

Twelve reasons why asylum seekers do not claim asylum in the first country they come to

1. Family and Community Ties: Many asylum seekers have family members, friends, or established communities in specific countries. They may prioritise reuniting with loved ones or seeking support from familiar networks over staying in the first country they reach.
2. Language and Cultural Familiarity: Asylum seekers often prefer countries where they speak the language or are familiar with the culture. This can make it easier to navigate the asylum process, access services, and integrate into society.
3. Perception of Fairness in the Asylum System: Some countries are perceived to have fairer or more efficient asylum systems. Asylum seekers may believe they have a better chance of having their claim processed fairly and quickly in certain nations.
4. Safety and Security Concerns: The first country an asylum seeker arrives in may not be safe or stable. They might fear persecution, discrimination, or even deportation to their country of origin if they stay there.
5. Economic Opportunities: Asylum seekers may be drawn to countries with stronger economies and better job prospects, as they hope to build a stable future for themselves and their families.
6. Legal and Social Support: Some countries offer more robust legal aid, social welfare, and support services for asylum seekers. This can be a significant factor in their decision-making.
7. Historical or Colonial Ties: In some cases, asylum seekers may have historical, cultural, or colonial connections to a particular country, making it a more appealing destination.
8. Networks of Smugglers and Traffickers: Unfortunately, some asylum seekers rely on smugglers or traffickers to reach their destination. These networks often direct them to specific countries, regardless of whether they are the first safe country reached.
9. Discrimination or Poor Treatment in First Country: If asylum seekers face racism, xenophobia, or poor treatment in the first country they arrive in, they may choose to move on to a country where they hope to be treated more humanely.
10. Lack of Knowledge About Asylum Processes: Some asylum seekers may not fully understand the legal requirements or implications of claiming asylum in the first country they enter. They may continue their journey without realising they could have sought protection earlier.
11. Desire for a Specific Destination: Asylum seekers may have a specific country in mind due to personal aspirations, perceived opportunities, or the presence of a diaspora community that can offer support.
12. Dublin Regulation (in the EU Context): In the European Union, of which the UK is no longer a member, the Dublin Regulation determines which country is responsible for processing an asylum claim. However, some asylum seekers attempt to bypass this system to reach a preferred destination.

Ten reasons people may seek to escape their homelands and seek asylum elsewhere

1. Persecution: Fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group is a primary reason. This can include threats, violence, or discrimination.
2. War or Conflict: Fleeing armed conflict, civil war, or widespread violence in their home country to seek safety and stability.
3. Human Rights Violations: Escaping systematic human rights abuses, such as torture, unlawful detention, or forced labour.
4. Political Oppression: Fleeing persecution due to political beliefs, activism, or opposition to a regime, which may result in imprisonment, harassment, or violence.
5. Religious or Ethnic Persecution: Escaping targeted violence or discrimination due to their religious beliefs or ethnic identity.
6. Gender-Based Violence: Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others may flee to escape gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, honour killings, or forced marriages.
7. Environmental Disasters: While not traditionally grounds for asylum, some people flee due to environmental crises, such as droughts, floods, or other natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.
8. Economic Collapse: In extreme cases, economic instability or collapse can lead to situations where basic survival is threatened, forcing people to seek refuge elsewhere.
9. Forced Recruitment: Escaping forced conscription into armed groups or government forces, particularly affecting children and young adults.
10. Lack of Protection: When their own government is unable or unwilling to protect them from harm, individuals may seek asylum in countries where they can access safety and legal protection.

Under international law, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention, asylum seekers must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution to qualify for refugee status. Each case is assessed individually to determine eligibility.

There will still be some who prefer to be a bigot and/or repeat the lies… of bigots. However, the hope is that the vast majority will prefer enlightenment.