Perceptions Of Migration Research Articles

The influence of visual and textual frames on people’s perception of migrants

This study investigated how the combination of textual and visual frames influences the attribution of responsibility for arrest and deportation of undocumented migrants and empathy. A 3 visual frame: (no photo, stereotypical photo, counter-stereotypical photo) × 2 textual frame: (episodic, thematic) between-subjects online experiment revealed that including a counter-stereotypical photograph in both episodic and thematic news stories had a positive effect on empathy for undocumented migrants but did not affect responsibility for arrest and deportation. Adding a stereotypical photograph to an episodic news story significantly reduced societal responsibility for arrest and deportation and decreased the level of empathy.

Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indian Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates: Perceptions, Challenges, and Psychological Effects

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is often regarded as a preferred employment location for Indian migrant workers seeking improved financial stability and enhanced career opportunities. The spread of COVID-19 has led to a decline in international migration rates and an increase in the number of individuals returning to their home countries. Therefore, it is imperative to analyze the challenges and perspectives of migrant labour. The assessment was based on a sample size of 416 Indian migrant workers who were present in the UAE during the lockdown period of the pandemic. Statistical techniques were employed to assess the research objective and examine the formulated hypothesis. The study confirms that the employment status of the migrant population has transformed, leading to a decline in both income and remittance flows. There is a significant difference in remittances by Indian migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statistical analysis reveals a significant finding in the chi-square test regarding the perception of migrants towards health facilities and other amenities offered by the Government of the UAE. The facilities provided by the Government of the UAE were perceived to be considerably more favourable in comparison to those offered by the Government of India. The favourable view of the UAE authorities led to the choice of several migrant workers to remain there rather than return to India throughout the pandemic. The logistic regression analysis reveals that demographic information such as age, duration of stay, level of education, sources of income, and earnings were the significant determinants of fear of COVID-19. The report also encompasses a few constraints and offers policy recommendations.

Factors that affect the health of immigrants: Qualitative meta synthesis.

Migration has challenged society. Most people who move do so for economic reasons, but others move for more tragic reasons. The proportion of female migrants was slightly higher than that of male migrants, partly due to the longer life expectancy of women and the higher demand for female migrants in care-related Jobs. The process may affect migrants' health, particularly in countries where healthcare is associated with high economic costs or insurance availability. A global systematic review of qualitative studies with meta-synthesis was conducted. The results can be used to support health policy and clinical practice. To describe how migrants perceive and experience the process of migrating and how it affects their health. Databases consulted were Medline, PsychInfo, Cuiden, Cinahl, WOS, Scopus, Social Science Database, and Epistemonikos. Thirty-four articles were selected for final meta-synthesis. All qualitative primary studies were included that describe the experiences or perceptions of migrants and refugees over 18 years that talk about their migration process and the impact on their health; written in English or Spanish between 2016 and 2021. Articles referring to second generations and those dealing with pathologies that pre-date the migration process were excluded. The COREQ and JBI templates were used as quality criteria. Studies mostly used a phenomenological methodology and in-depth interviews, both individual and group, were used for data collection and narrative synthesis. Uncertainty emerges as a main category. Three other interrelated themes have a direct impact on migrants' health: Language, Social Networks and Work. There are several conditions in each of these that have a positive or negative impact on health. The gender condition appears in both work and social networks, positively and negatively. Health would be improved by having a stable job, which would facilitate access to health resources. Social networks and language are facilitators of access to a better job, but not the only condition. From a gender perspective, social networks can become a source of health problems, especially for women. The process of migration places women in a position of vulnerability due to the difficulties of reconciling family and work life. Job insecurity, workload, loss of family life or social isolation increase hopelessness and anxiety, leading to health problems. As an academic review study, no patient contribution was required, and this study serves as a theoretical framework for more in-depth research that will work with migrant populations. As a public contribution, this work provides evidence of the need to improve access to health for some populations, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030.

Beyond Borders: A Qualitative Analysis of Migrant Health and Sociodemographics

Migration and health are integral aspects of human nature that are high on global policy agendas. In this context, it is crucial to delve deeper into the study of migration as it relates to physical health in order to explore some dimensions in greater depth. The objectives of this study are as follows 1) To explore the perceptions of migrants, participants in the study, about their health. Focusing on aspects related to physical health, disabilities and access to health care services; 2) To identify and describe the distinctive features that characterise the migrant population participating in the study. This analysis is carried out using a qualitative methodology based on the Grounded Theory approach. We employ tools such as individual records and group interviews to collect data. The primary findings of this study reveal the presence of pathologies and disabilities, alongside deficiencies in accessing healthcare services. Additionally, the key characteristics of migrants in Spain are highlighted. In conclusion, this study underlines the importance of maintaining the study of physical health in the context of migration from different disciplines as a way of underpinning social interventions aimed at improving the situation of migrants in the field of social and health welfare.

The interplay of migrants and host nations for the good of nations: A biblical-theological reflection

South African citizens usually accuse foreign nationals of stealing their jobs and increasing the crime rate in the country. Such accusations have often resulted in xenophobic violence. Unfortunately, not much effort has been made to depict immigrants in positive light to improve the relations between them and the indigenous population. Thus, this article utilised Joseph’s narrative (as described in Genesis in the Old Testament) as a biblical-theological lens in an attempt to mitigate the negative perceptions of migrants among the South African indigenous population. The narrative cast a positive picture on migration by presenting Joseph who, as a foreigner in Egypt, contributed to the development of the economy of Egypt. This article accomplished its aforementioned objective by initially interrogating relevant literature that identified and discussed the various factors that portrayed immigrants negatively, thereby pushing disgruntled South African citizens to engage in xenophobic violence. Thereafter, Joseph’s forced migration to Egypt is discussed. This narrative was used as a biblical-theological lens to establish the contributions of foreign nationals in the development of the economies of host nations. While applying the biblical-theological lens of Joseph’s narrative to the contemporary situation of migration, this article lamented the dearth of research on the contributions of foreigners to host nations. Furthermore, pertinent sources were used to highlight the correlation between Joseph’s narrative and the current migration situation. Having underscored the aforementioned, this article argued that the current positive contributions that immigrants have made to the host nations’ economies, should compel the nations to construct migration policies and frameworks that proactively integrate immigrants. Furthermore, formal recognition of any such contributions would encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and foreign nationals, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive world. That is, instead of regarding immigrants with resentment and anger, nations can create a world where migration is not only acknowledged but celebrated as a fundamental part of the human experience. In its attempt to encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and immigrants in South Africa, this article aligned with the principles of this journal, which aim to develop South African society by addressing the ongoing challenge of xenophobia within some of the country’s communities.Contribution: The contribution of this article lies in that formal recognition of any positive contributions made by foreign nationals would encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and foreign nationals, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive world where immigrants are primarily viewed positively rather than as mere criminals.

Migrant Perceptions of Their Social Inclusion, Social Networks, and Satisfaction with Life in Northern Spain

This paper aims to analyse the individual perceptions of belonging to social networks among migrants living in northern Spain, exploring various dimensions such as perceived inclusion and life satisfaction. A quantitative analysis was employed with data collected through a survey of 373 migrants from different ethnic backgrounds. The findings indicate that (1) women have higher levels of perceived satisfaction with their life and social networks; (2) young migrants have higher levels of friendship networks; (3) the highest levels of perceived inclusion were found among Central Europeans, followed by individuals from Latin America, Asia, Africa and, finally, Eastern Europe; and (4) each social network under analysis was positively correlated with perceived inclusion and satisfaction with life. In summary, the results emphasise that a greater presence of networks is associated with higher levels of perceived inclusion and life satisfaction.

The Psychosocial Impact of Migration on Family Roles and Identity

Objective: Migration significantly affects individuals and families, reshaping identities, roles, and psychosocial well-being. This study aimed to explore the nuanced psychosocial impacts of migration on family roles and identity, seeking to understand the complexities of adjustment, identity transformation, and emotional well-being within the migratory context. Methods and Materials: Employing a qualitative research design, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 participants from various migratory backgrounds. Theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the experiences and perceptions of migrants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and categorize the primary themes and concepts emerging from the data, focusing on the psychosocial dimensions of migration. Findings: Three main themes were identified: Adjustment and Adaptation, Identity and Belonging, and Emotional and Psychological Well-being. Under Adjustment and Adaptation, categories such as Cultural Integration, Educational Challenges, Employment and Financial Stability, and Social Networks and Community Support were explored. Identity and Belonging encompassed Family Role Dynamics, Personal Identity Transformation, and Interactions with the Host Society. Emotional and Psychological Well-being included Stress and Coping Mechanisms, Intergenerational Conflicts, Loss and Grief, and Hope and Resilience, each providing insights into the emotional and psychological experiences of migrants. Conclusion: The study highlighted the profound and multifaceted psychosocial impacts of migration on individuals and families, revealing the challenges and adaptations necessary for cultural integration, the renegotiation of identity and family roles, and the emotional and psychological experiences encountered. These findings underscore the necessity for supportive policies and practices that address the complex needs of migrants, facilitating smoother integration and promoting well-being.

The Absence of a Rationalized Migration Data Policy in Greece and the Discontinuity of Greek Migration Policy: A Glance at the First Results of the PreMiGro Project

The aim of this paper is to present the first findings of a funded project (PreMiGro) that concerns the development of a start-up pilot prediction model of short and long-term migration flows in Greece using machine-learning tools. During the first phase of the project, which focused on the examination of data regarding historical number of immigrants to Greece associated with country of origin and its political status for the period 1990-2022 through a range of primary and secondary sources, a vital finding surfaced. The discontinuity of the Greek migration policy seems to be related, among others, to the absence of a consistent data policy on migration, ever since Greece became a host country of migrants in the 1990s up to 2022 when Greece had already witnessed major transformations in its migration policy domain. A first reading of PreMiGro’s initial research outcomes sheds some light on the peculiarity of the Greek migration policy. Indeed, the securitization of migration in Greece, the (at times negative) perception of migrants and refugees from parts of the Greek Society and Public Sphere and the fragmented Greek migration policy per se, could be explained through the lens of the absence of a rationalized migration data policy in Greece, among other things.

Ethnicity and Response to Internal Environmental Migrants in the United States

We examine how responses to individuals displaced by environmental shocks vary based on the ethnicity of the migrants, the locals, and their ethnic groups’ political status. We embed an experiment into a stratified sample of 2,188 white, Black, and Latinx Americans surveyed through Qualtrics Panels. The experiment shows respondents a photo of a flooded road, randomly assigning whether there are white, Black, Latinx, or no persons wading through the water. Results show no outward change in approval for migrants settling in respondents’ neighborhoods based on their ethnicity. However, emotional responses to migrants, perceptions of migrants’ economic backgrounds, and levels of tolerance and ethnocentrism among locals vary based on migrants’ ethnicity. While there may not be outward xenophobia and conflict in the face of internal climate-related migration, the underlying attitudes of members of receiving communities suggest internal migrants from politically excluded groups lack local acceptance and may face more subtle prejudice.

Social perception of migrants from “Belarus” from the perspective of voits and mayors from the area of the border strip under the state of emergency (case study)

The crisis on the border between Belarus and three EU countries, i.e. Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, which has been ongoing since the spring of 2021, was an unprecedented attempt in Europe to destabilize the situation inside the Community. Poland faced a challenge it had not faced before. The challenge was faced not only by state authorities and services dedicated to the protection of the Union’s external border, but above all by the residents of the border areas. The influx of illegal migrants inspired by the Belarusian authorities and, as a result, the introduction of the state of emergency affected their lives to the greatest extent, disrupting its rhythm, while the migrants appearing in the farms introduced a hitherto unknown fear of strangers. In this context, the issue of perception and evaluation of the migration crisis and the actions taken by the government from the point of view of local authorities: mayors and village heads of border areas bordering Belarus seems to be extremely interesting cognitively. An empirical survey carried out on a purposive, exhaustive sample of village heads and mayors of municipalities in the border area was devoted to this problem. It should be noted here that the project had the character of a case study. It was diagnostic (exploratory) in nature at this stage and needs to be deepened in the course of further research. The results obtained allow to positively confirm the formulated research hypotheses. The problem of illegal migrants was perceived by the respondents as an issue requiring decisive and immediate action by state institutions. Cooperation with Mateusz Morawiecki’s government and its field bodies was positively assessed. The mayors mostly approved of the emergency measures treating them as necessary to resolve the crisis.

Intra‐EU migration, public transfers and assimilation

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the assimilation of EU migrants via the receipt of public transfers using high‐quality administrative panel data for the Netherlands. Research on this topic has relevant implications for EU expansion policy, migration policy, and perception of migrants in host societies. The data that we employ contain comprehensive information on all public transfers that individuals can receive. Results show that free entry from other EU countries decreases both the share of individuals who receive public transfers and the average amount received. The differences between EU migrants and natives are particularly large during the first years after arrival in the Netherlands, and become indistinguishable from zero after seven years. This indicates a process of gradual assimilation into public transfer receipt. Further exploration using an Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition reveals important composition effects that are due mostly to differences in age and variables related to family structure.

Navigating Uncertainties: Evaluating the Shift in Canadian Immigration Policies during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Canada has a proactive immigration policy that invites individuals, mostly highly skilled ones, from around the world to make it their new home. The pandemic border closures severely affected the flow of immigrants from other countries, so the Canadian government turned to the temporary migrants who were already in the country and facilitated their transition to permanent status. Reviewing the relevant policy documents and analysing 22 semi-structured qualitative interviews with stakeholders in Ontario, we critically examine the impact of two transition measures: the amendments to Express Entry and the Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence Pathway Program. We also discuss the changes in the work permit program for international graduates. Moreover, we analyse Canadian migration management during the pandemic at three levels: the macro level (i.e., transition measures and attainment of national goals), the meso level (i.e., stakeholders' evaluations of the transition measures), and the micro level (i.e., stakeholders' perceptions of migrants' experiences with the transition measures).

The Influence of Media Coverage on the Negative Perception of Migrants in Chile.

How mass media frame information about migrants is vital to further their well-being and social inclusion in the host society. However, it can also encourage forms of discrimination and xenophobia. In Chile, migration is a theme of great relevance due to a substantial increase in the flow of migrants over the last ten years, as well as the acts of extreme violence toward this group. Thus, this research analyzes how mass media coverage of migrants influences Chileans’ perception of migrants. Adopting an experimental design, we implemented a large-scale, representative online survey with citizens over 18 years of age (N = 2227) and an experiment with combined access to positive and negative news about migrants in different news outlets. The regression analysis showed differences between citizens regarding the type of daily relationships they are willing to maintain with the migrant population. Furthermore, exposure to news about migration was the primary variable that explains why people consider this phenomenon one of the main problems affecting the country, confirming the agenda-setting theory. The experiment also indicated a causal relationship between the exposure to negative content and negative judgment about this group and their presence in the country.

Migration, Dignity, Fragility, and Pandemics

Migration is dynamic and varies greatly across the globe due to myriad factors, including demography, economy, geography, and environment. As people move, a number of challenges exist that can leave human rights and human dignity as an afterthought to the migration process. This special issue provides a legal and policy framework for supporting “migration with dignity,” providing examples of how to apply this framework across a number of contexts, including climate change, the migration cycle, and pandemics. COVID-19 has drastically changed mobility and migration in key spheres, such as transportation, travel, construction, and hospitality. Our research for this special issue was conducted between 2020 and 2021; therefore, we had the opportunity to witness a once-in-a-century global pandemic with direct impacts on migration inflows and outflows. Consequently, we have included pandemics as a key theme for consideration in this issue, believing that the research agenda should be informed by the assessment of impacts in both the atoll countries and in the United States – the most common “destination” of Pacific Islanders. This additional research revealed the vulnerabilities of migrants in the destination countries and in their home countries, vulnerabilities that would not otherwise have been apparent. Our research was also directly impacted by the pandemic. We intended to conduct field research in countries such as the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Republic of Maldives, with the RMI and FSM serving as countries of “origin” for migration to the United States. In the Maldives, there is a large domestic migration from the atolls to the newly constructed man-made islands. We experienced research and travel limitations due to COVID-19, where many countries have adopted strict isolation policies to prevent the spread of disease. Therefore, we had to conduct our surveys remotely using the Internet or by asking collaborators living in the area to conduct surveys on our behalf. Our special issue also touches on the issue of the intergenerationality of immigrants in terms of how migrants adapt or assimilate into the receiving society, and how the mass media plays a role in the perceptions of migrants and the perceived problems associated with immigration by host countries. Many opportunities remain for further exploration and research, including how migration has changed in the post-pandemic world. We intend to pursue these opportunities in 2022 and beyond.

ETHNOMONITORING OF THE PERCEPTION OF MIGRANTS IN THE JEWISH AUTONOMOUS REGION

The article analyzes the peculiarities of the perception of migrants by the local society. The main empirical material is a sociological survey conducted by the authors of the study among the host population of the Jewish Autonomous Region. The article is devoted to topical issues of ethnocultural adaptation, which is noted as a two-way process - that is, the involvement in this process both, and migrants and local residents. The interrelation of immigrants with the ethnocultural situation in the region is noted. The article identifies two main aspects in the interaction of the host community with migrants: the first is directed to developing and maintaining relationships, the second is the position of preserving ethnocultural security, associated with limiting the influx, primarily of labor migrants into the region. The development of peaceful coexistence of people of different confessions and ethnic groups in the context of modern globalization will be the fundamental concept for calling upon equality of all cultures, which have the same right to development. To search for and collect the necessary research material, the following methods of field work were used: interviewing respondents, observation. Theoretical methods: historical-comparative, historical-systemic, cross-cultural, systemic analysis. Scientific novelty consists in a comprehensive analysis of new field data, namely, the features of the construction of the image of the host community by migrants are highlighted on the basis of regional ethnomonitoring. The scientific idea is substantiated by the need to ensure the national security of modern Russia, to solve the problems of interethnic communication, tensions in the field of interethnic relations.

ГЛОБАЛИЗАЦИЯ И МИГРАЦИЯ: ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ РОССИЙСКОГО РЫНКА ТРУДА

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the situation on the Russian labor market: the cost of construction of facilities, especially residential ones, has sharply increased due to the fact that a significant part, should not the majority, of the migrant workers were forced to return to their homeland, and many projects were threatened with disruption. It turned out to be a powerful argument in favor of migrants, who actually became a full-fledged second “engine” of the Russian economy. Migrants contribute to the economy, stabilize the social and demographic potential of the receiving country, and therefore in Russia as well as in other independent states of the post-Soviet space it is time to move away from the perception of migrants at best as a burden, and at worst as a threat. Currently, the reduction of labor immigration is considered as one of the key economic issues of the Russian Federation, along with a decrease in economic activity of the population and increase in the number of people employed in the informal sector of the economy, etc. Migration in Russia and throughout the Post-Soviet space is a social process that complies with the logic of economic laws. The effective use of migrant labor is conditioned as a result of understanding the basic mechanisms of the human capital market, its national characteristics. The human capital market is recognized to be one of the resource market types. However, despite some similarities with the markets of goods and services, the human capital market has some features that are primarily associated with the complexity and diversity of the market transactions object, namely knowledge, abilities, skills, qualifications, experience, culture and personnel motivation. Understanding of those features makes it possible to manage the complex self-regulating and economic law-based system that was developed in the economy of the Russian Federation. However, it should be taken into account that the crisis caused by the pandemic revealed new challenges related to labor migration that were previously unknown or known, but poorly studied. The article is devoted to the analysis of such issues. The author offers concrete proposals for the restoration and development of the Russian labor market, affected by the coronavirus pandemic, based on the results of the study

How Local People Living at the External EU Border Perceive Migrants

Research showed different results in the perception and acceptance of migrants in Croatia. Earlier research show that respondents perceive migrants as socio-economic and a socio-cultural threat while newer ones show mostly positive attitudes towards migrants and belief that there should be equal living conditions for all persons in Croatia. Considering that the integration takes place at the level of local community, the opinions and attitudes of the local population are extremely important. There is a need for continuous examination of public opinions and attitudes. The aim of this study was to research the perception of migrants in the adult population living at the external EU border, precisely, in the rural settlements of Split-Dalmatia County, near Bosnia and Herzegovina border. The research area is on the Southern Balkan migrant route. In recent years, irregular migrants have crossed Croatian territory on their way to Western countries. The local population who lives on migrant route is exposed to encounters and occasionally to incidents with migrants. The survey method was used. For the purposes of research, a questionnaire was designed. The research focus was on two questions: how do local people perceive migrants and did the vicinity of the migrant route and migrants influence their everyday life and safety? In general, the results showed intolerance, strong social distance, and stereotypes towards migrants. Due to the closeness of migrant route, the part of respondents feels unsafe while some of them change daily habits.

Integration Policies and Public Perceptions of Immigrants in Europe

National mechanisms of migrant integration into the host society and the wider social context in which migration occurs may affect the construction of public attitudes towards migrants regardless of their origin or status. By combining the data of two international studies: the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) and the European Social Survey (ESS), this paper examines national policies regarding migrant integration and the public perception of migrants in the host society in selected European countries. This analysis highlights especially the shifts in public attitudes as possible consequences of the 2015/2016 European “migration crisis”. The data from 27 European countries that participated in the last waves of both MIPEX2020 and ESS2018 were analysed according to the four-dimensional MIPEX categorisation: 1) Comprehensive integration, 2) Equality on paper, 3) Temporary integration, and 4) Immigration without integration (Integration denied). These categories of states’ migration policies were then combined with the public perceptions of immigrants examined by the ESS. Multilevel regression models demonstrated that the respondents from countries with well-developed integration policies express a more positive attitude towards immigrants and acknowledge their contribution to all areas of the host society. A higher proportion of non-EU-27 immigrants in the country correlates with a more negative perception of immigrants’ impact on the host country. Even though the MIPEX score does not reflect clearly the shift in migration policies affected by the European “migration crisis”, it could be considered a stable, though relatively weak predictor of anti-immigrant prejudice. In conclusion, this study's findings suggest that better-developed policies of political participation and immigrant inclusion foster more positive attitudes towards immigrants.

SOCIAL AND ETHNOPOLITICAL ATTITUDES OF STUDENTS IN UDMURTIA

The article presents some results of a sociological survey within the framework of the second stage of work on the topic “Ethnic factor in the socio-political life of the regions of Russia: from ethnopolitical mobilization to civic integration (the Republics of Bashkortostan, Mari El, Mordovia, Udmurtia, Chuvashia)”, conducted among the students of Izhevsk. The survey was aimed at identifying current youth problems and studying social identities, the nature of interethnic relations, the peculiarities of ethnopolitical processes in the republic, the perception of migrants, the public activity of student youth in the capital of Udmurtia. According to preliminary results, new social risks and threats related to the pandemic and attacks on educational organizations are being updated; the trend of the formation of Russian identity continues; the assessment of the sphere of inter-ethnic relations differs at the federal and regional levels, while some conflict potential remains; at the same time, there is no request for active protest actions among young people; there are sentiments on migration outflow from the region under the influence of a whole range of reasons and concerns related to the possible mass arrival of new arrivals in the region; social activity of students is multi-vector, the desire to prove themselves in the work of ethno-cultural organizations is not among the priorities. The results of the study will be used to develop practical recommendations to the authorities and public associations involved in the implementation of the state youth policy.

Solidarity or Crisis? How Personal Migration Experiences Shape Popular Perception on Forced Migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

ABSTRACT Since the end of 2017, Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced a significant increase in the number of migrants transiting through the country. Based on an ethnographic reading of nineteen recollections of ‘personal migration experiences’ of Bosnians during 1992–1995 war, which form the basis for popular perception of migrants in the country, this paper explores how the concept of solidarity is imagined and lived in the context of this significant increase. We argue that Bosnians interpret these recent arrivals as a ‘test of humanity’, having been in a similar situation in the early 1990s. In this regard, the concept of solidarity opens a window onto the interactions with and between migrants and non-migrants, recognizing a shared set of concerns and orientations, rather than exceptionalizing migrants through the lens of ‘crisis’. That said, the concept of solidarity is less popular among those who do not share a so-called ‘migrant’s faith’, resulting in negative perceptions of migrants. In these perceptions, migrants’ presence in the country is criminalized, resulting in various calls for more aggressive, even violent, ‘popular’ handling of migrants transiting or settling in Bosnia and Herzegovina.