65 ESCAPING UNCERTAINTY In the current Lebanese context, where poverty has reached unprecedented levels, both stateless individuals and Lebanese citizens indicated their readiness to emigrate. Stateless individuals are motivated by the desire to obtain citizenship elsewhere, while Lebanese citizens aim for improved living conditions abroad. Both stateless and Lebanese respondents showed willingness on the question of potential emigration, with 64% and 63% respectively answering "yes" or "maybe" when asked if they would leave Lebanon given the opportunity. Fig 25. If you had the opportunity to emigrate, would you do it? 35% 35% 61% 60% Stateless Lebanese Among the stateless respondents who indicated their willingness to leave the country, only 8% would consider using "illegal routes." This percentage was notably higher in the Akkar survey, where 25% favored said routes. This difference can be attributed to several factors: - The existence of traditional illegal migration routes in the North, making them more accessible and top of mind to those in Akkar. - Varying legal statuses observed in Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon, where a higher proportion of individuals under study exists. As such, they possess more formal documents, which increases hope in obtaining emigration visas or submitting asylum requests to foreign countries. “ I just want to travel to a country than can grant me citizenship. — Stateless man, Mgheiriyeh “ I love my country and don’t want to emigrate, but I would do it for the sake of my children’s future. — Understudy man, Hadath Yes Maybe “ I don’t know No I prefer to leave illegally so I can pretend to be a refugee and get more help. — Stateless man, Hay el Gharbi © 2023 Siren Associates. All Rights Reserved.