For night after night this week thousands of migrants have attempted to gain entry to the Channel Tunnel to get to the UK.
While shocking images show them clinging to the roof of a lorry have revealed the desperate lengths they are prepared to go to in order to reach Britain, commentary surrounding the crisis on social media is often informed by myths, rather than facts.
Here are some of the most common - and why they are wrong.
Calais Migrants Crisis - Facts Versus Popular Fiction
“As usual the French have already given up, they don’t care as long as the 'refugees' make it to England.”(01 of11)
French police have made close to 18,000 arrests so far this year and an extra 120 officers have been deployed to Calais this year.
"Why doesn't France take them?"(02 of11)
France handles roughly double the amount of asylum requests than the UK. Last year, France received 62 735 applications, versus the UK’s 31 745. (credit:JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET via Getty Images)
“This is what happens when our government gives houses, money and free healthcare to people that have never paid a penny in.”(03 of11)
The UK government does not ‘give houses’ to those seeking asylum – it provides accommodation while claims are assessed and processed. This is temporary and unlikely to be in London or the south east of England. During this time, asylum seekers are not entitled to work in the UK with single adults receiving £36.95 a week in support. Illegal migrants are unlikely to declare themselves to authorities.
“They are economic migrants, not asylum seekers.”(04 of11)
Economic migrants can make a formal application to live and work in the UK from their home country. Asylum seekers set off on their journeys without having made an application: they are often not leaving through choice. Refugees are considered separately. Illegal immigrants make no applications – either before they set off, or once they arrive. They're likely to find work in the shadows, forgoing the benefits of citizenship.
“These 'peaceful' migrants are threatening to kill! These are violent young men, happy to break the law and enter this country in whatever way they can.”(05 of11)
Violence in Calais is often directed towards migrants, rather than the other way around. Human Rights Watch has found that refugees in Calais are subjected to regular ‘harrassment and abuse’ including beatings, attacks and the use of pepper spray. Some of those attempting to get to Britain told the organisation that their treatment in France had convinced them they simply could not stay there.
“Why is Cameron still insisting they are trying to get here because there is lots of jobs and our economy is strong?"(06 of11)
Compared to Greece and Italy, the UK economy is strong. Illegal immigrants are highly unlikely to declare themselves to authorities in order to ‘receive benefits’. They are more likely to work in the ‘unobserved’ black economy – which makes up 1% of the UK’s workforce. There are currently 726,000 job vacancies in the UK.
“All those immigrants will be living in luxury in London.”(07 of11)
To those claiming asylum, the UK government makes clear that it is highly unlikely they will be accommodated in London or the south east of England. While asylum claims are processed, applicants are not eligible to work – unless their claim takes longer than a year to process.
“Close that damned tunnel!”(08 of11)
The tunnel itself carried 20.35million tonnes of freight in 2014, according to Eurotunnel – and remains a key part of the British export and import market. Further, the tunnel itself is only facilitating illegal immigration in so far as migrants board trucks travelling on its lines. These trucks also use ferry services. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)
“Crime is rising and our streets filled with beggars why would we not want to stop this?”(09 of11)
Last year, crime fell by 7% in England and Wales, according to the ONS. There has been reduced public spending across services, including the money that would have been spent on social housing by local authorities. Government says it is taking action against employers that don’t abide by minimum wage legislation. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)
“So much for the EU!”(10 of11)
Those EU countries bordering the Mediterranean such as Greece and Italy are being overwhelmed by the recent increase in those fleeing North Africa. As a result, other EU nations have had to step up and accept more migrants. Countries like Germany and Sweden traditionally receive far more asylum applicants than other countries, including Britain. (credit:YanniKouts/Flickr)
"Why can't they stay and fight?"(11 of11)
Those fleeing Syria, Libya and Eritrea have increased in number as a result of recent conflicts. Thousands of Syrians fleeing their country have decided to leave after seeing family members killed, or their communities destroyed, Mercy Corps found. Eritreans interviewed at Calais say they had no choice but to leave the military dictatorship, "I want to study in England," one told The Telegraph. Many migrants say they fear persecution, arrest and even death if they were to return - claims backed up by the UN. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)