A study of people perception of illegal immigrant at Block Seraya C Putera Jaya Telipok / Noor Lizan Ab Gani

Throughout history migration has been one of the most enduring features of human experience. Over the centuries there has been a multitude of reasons why people have sought to move from one part of the world to another. The impact of immigration in Sabah society continues to be a matter of public concern. While the economic impact of immigration in such areas as economic growth, productivity, and employment, has been widely canvassed, there has been less sustained analytical attention given to many of the social issues at the heart of public debate. Matters such as Asian immigration, racism, multiculturalism and social cohesion, have generated controversy and an abundance of rhetoric. Yet in current circumstances, a balanced appreciation of the viewpoints held by various sections of the community on such matters is in danger of becoming swamped by ideology, prejudice, and adversarial rhetoric. The popular perception of illegal immigrants is of people who set out with the intention of living in another country permanently and working illegally there and it is with them that the communication is primarily concerned. The presence of illegal immigrants often generates opposition.