Myth 1 - Asylum Seekers are Illegal
Fact: This is untrue. Under Irish Law and International Law a person is entitled to make an application for refugee asylum in another country when they allege they are escaping persecution. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution." People who arrive on our shores without prior authorisation from Ireland, with no documents, or false documents are not illegal. They are asylum seekers - a legal status under International Law. Many Asylum Seekers are forced to leave their countries in haste and are unable to access appropriate documentation. In many cases oppressive authorities actively prevent normal migration processes from occurring. 'Illegals' are people who overstay their visas. The vast majority of these in Ireland are from western countries, including American tourists.

Myth 2 - If We Let Them In, They'll Take Our Benefits
Fact: A common misconception is that refugees arriving in Ireland will 'steal' the entitlements of Irish. The reality is that refugees, like other migrants, create demand for goods and services, thus stimulating the economy and generating growth and employment. A recent UCLA study has shown that unauthorised immigration boosts the US economy by $800 billion per year.

Myth 3: People who destroy their identification can’t be genuine
Fact: Most refugees are not able to travel through conventional channels because they cannot obtain a passport from the government that is persecuting them, or they are fleeing from. Identification documents enable not only Irish immigration officials to determine identity but also representatives of the regime people are fleeing. This places relatives within countries like Afghanistan and Iraq at risk. Moreover, people fleeing from political persecution are at greater risk within their own country if they can be identified when they are on the move.

Myth 4: “Asylum seekers receive massive state handouts”
Facts: Asylum seekers receive benefits below the basic benefits level. A single adult receives only €19 per week in addition to accommodation and utilities – this is much below the basic level of Income Support for an Irish citizen, which is generally considered as the minimum level of income necessary to maintain an acceptable standard of living. Many asylum seekers have a strong desire to work and professional skills and experience to contribute at all levels of the Irish economy. However, under Irish policy they are prohibited from working to support themselves and their families while their claim is being decided. Yes, asylum seekers receive food in direct provisional centres they live in, but they could not afford to buy shoes or clothes, and 80% that them not able to maintain good health.

Myth 5: “Asylum seekers are taking our housing and ‘swamping’ our public services”
Facts: Asylum seekers are sent to areas with existing available accommodation - direct provision centres or those areas with surplus housing which local authorities are unable to otherwise fill. Council taxpayers' money is not used to house asylum seekers.
Under international refugee law and international, European and Irish human rights law, asylum seekers have a right to basic health care and education. Once granted refugee status, they make an important contribution to public services both as professionals and as taxpayers and have same rights as an Irish person and can to queue for social housing.