Emmie...if that was the case, then why are there so many rough sleepers...both migrants and our own? Why are numbers going up? Even our own *might* just *might* find a sofa to sleep on for Christmas, but most don't. And that's just local. Imagine finding the ways and means to get back to your own country. Also, many do come looking for work. As far as I know, they are allowed to stay for 3 months as long as they are actively looking for employment. But the work on offer is usually casual and cash in hand. It's therefore not recorded and not official. They become part of a hidden society then as they may want to stay but are not considered to be employed. Some may never find work...and some resort to drink. Of course there are those who may have been drinkers before they came. But living on the streets changes most...both migrants and our own.