Public opinion on migration

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Surveys of public opinion on migration are common in many countries. Typically, these polls tend to ask questions about the population’s general views on immigration and immigrants. Public opinion on migration can shape and influence migration policy, although the public may not have an accurate understanding of the number and type of migrants residing in their country. Some evidence suggests it is policy that drives public opinion on migration. Public opinion on migration may also influence the degree to which a migrant integrates into their receiving community. Data on public opinion on migration can be a useful indicator of how open receiving societies are towards immigration and ethnic diversity and can sometimes also indicate different attitudes than what the media suggest.