The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Mexico revealed that 13 percent of Mexicans believe that the country's southern border should be closed, and that immigrants arriving in the country should be returned to their countries of origin.
This is according to the results of the survey "What does the Mexican population think about human mobility?", prepared by Data Public Opinion and Markets, which details the perceptions of citizens towards those who enter Mexico irregularly.
When asked, "What do you think are the reasons why people on the move who are arriving in your town leave their countries of origin?", 85 percent responded that it was due to economic reasons, and only 10 percent reported violence in the country of origin.
This result highlights the lack of knowledge about the causes of human mobility. According to UNHCR's 2023 Protection Monitoring Report, more than 50 percent of people in an irregular situation left their countries due to violence, insecurity and threats.
Similarly, 45 percent said they did not know the difference between a migrant, who leaves their country primarily for economic reasons, and a refugee, who cannot be returned to their country because their life, safety or freedom would be in danger.
This result could impact perceptions of the population on the move, since by ignoring the implications of being a refugee for a person, their rights and the obligations of the State in their international protection are ignored.
As regards the recognition of refugee rights, Mexican legislation is among the most developed in the region, the UN agency said in a statement.
She also said that almost half of the people believe that the rights of refugees and migrants are respected little or not at all.
The population is divided regarding what the government's response to refugees and migrants should be: 51 percent said the government should respond in accordance with their rights and needs; 32 percent said it should simply allow them to transit quickly through Mexico, while 13 percent said the southern border should be closed and they should be expelled to their country.
When asked about a list of prejudices against refugees and migrants, 52 percent agreed with the statement that the presence of refugees and migrants increases crime in my city; 48 percent agreed with the statement that refugees and migrants reject the customs of the place where they arrive; and 41 percent agreed that the presence of refugees and migrants on the streets creates an unpleasant environment.
The report states that 34 percent of the 1,008 people surveyed agreed with the statement that employment should only be given to refugees and migrants with high levels of education and economic capital, and 28 percent agreed with the statement that when there is unemployment, work should be denied to refugees and migrants.
When asked if they were in charge of a business, how willing would they be to hire a refugee or migrant? 35 percent responded “somewhat” and 34 percent “very much.”
On the other hand, when asked to what extent do you think that conflicts and tensions in society are due to differences due to being from another country?, 27 percent answered “a lot” and 37 percent “somewhat”, a response that reinforces the need to promote actions of peaceful coexistence between people on the move and local communities to avoid fear and rejection of diversity.
At the same time, 80 percent said they were willing to participate in activities to generate cultural ties with the population on the move, which is essential to overcome prejudices and stereotypes.
UNHCR stressed that, given the continuous arrival of people in need of asylum and protection, it is essential to continue working to identify the causes of discrimination and strengthen actions to prevent and eradicate prejudices, stereotypes and stigmas towards refugees and migrants.
"Evidence and reliable data are the best tools to counteract prejudice. Since the lack of real information is a friend of xenophobia, knowledge of real data favors inclusion," said Giovanni Lepri, UNHCR Representative in Mexico.
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