Portuguese Attitudes Split on Immigration Policy

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Translation

A study conducted by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation indicates that most Portuguese people view immigrants as essential to the economy, yet they desire better regulations for immigration. There are concerns regarding immigrants from the Indian subcontinent. Many Portuguese associate immigration with increased crime rates, but they support the integration of immigrants.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: What do most Portuguese people think about immigrants and the economy?

They think immigrants are essential for the economy.

Question 2: What do many Portuguese believe about immigration and crime?

Many Portuguese believe that immigration is linked to more crimes.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌18/12/2024

A recent immigration survey by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation reveals a complex picture of Portuguese attitudes towards immigration. Conducted nationally, the study indicates that around two-thirds of respondents view immigrants as crucial to the economy, although there is a parallel desire for more regulated immigration.

One significant finding is the increasing concern over migrants from the Indian subcontinent. The survey shows that a majority — 60% — of those questioned wish for fewer immigrants from this region, a sentiment that highlights "a clear distrust," particularly when compared to the more favorable perception of immigrants from Western countries.

Despite these apprehensions, many Portuguese (68%) still recognize the essential role immigrants play in the workforce, particularly in industries like agriculture, fisheries, and hospitality, which rely heavily on non-native labor. In fact, contributions from immigrants to the Social Security System significantly outweighed the benefits they claimed, with a reported positive balance of €2193 million for 2023.

Another narrative that emerged from the study is the perceived connection between immigration and increased crime rates. Two-thirds of respondents attribute a rise in criminal activity to foreign nationals, although official statistics have not shown an increase in crime linked to immigrants.

Portuguese Attitudes Split on Immigration Policy (Illustration)

Interestingly, immigration policy is viewed as too lenient by the Portuguese, with 76% advocating for stricter control measures. This includes a preference for vetted entry rather than open-ended arrivals, which aligns with recent governmental strategies focusing on work-related visas at the point of origin.

The issue becomes more layered with the inclusion of political leanings, as respondents who identify with right-leaning positions tend to have more opposition to immigration, particularly from African nations and the subcontinent.

Besides economic importance, the tensions surrounding immigration narratives also touch on culture. Over half of the survey participants expressed concerns that immigration might erode Portuguese cultural values and traditions.

Despite these concerns, there remains significant support for integration measures, with more than half of respondents backing rights such as voting for immigrants and easing naturalization processes, provided they fulfill legal requirements.

Overall, the findings depict a society grappling with reconciling the economic advantages of immigration with cultural and security concerns, calling for a balanced and well-regulated approach to future immigration policy.

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