We analyse how migration narratives- embedded in political language, media framing, and everyday public debate- structure what people see as “realistic” or “acceptable” in migration governance, and we track how these frames travel across countries and institutions. Building on this, we develop communication approaches that acknowledge legitimate public concerns while centring dignity and rights, and articulate a credible “control and compassion” proposition — so that policy debates remain evidence-informed, human-rights compliant, and anchored in the rule of law, while strengthening public trust and reducing polarisation.