Immigration Crisis: Should Humanity or Economics prevail?

Immigration has been a feature of human existence for centuries. It predates the era of slave trade and colonialism. Some move because of their love for exploration, their eternal quest to unravel the many wonders of the world. Others migrate for better economic opportunities, to gain an education, to escape persecution, natural disasters, or other environmental factors. 

As of today, people are still moving from one country to another. Two hundred fifty-eight million people are living in a country other than their country of birth, according to IOM’s data released in 2017. Although a lot of people migrate out of choice, many others do so out of necessity. More than half of them are women and children. 

Global migration crisis

The issue of illegal migration into Europe skyrocketed in 2015 when over 900,000 refugees and migrants made the tumultuous journey to Europe. More than 75 percent of them fled to escape persecution and conflicts in their homelands.  

Last year, over 70 million people were forcibly displaced, according to the yearly Global Trends report. As war, conflicts, and harsh climate change continue to escalate around the globe, UNCHR estimates that one person is forcibly displaced in every 2 seconds.

In recent times, one of the most common reasons for migration is war. People are desperately trying to flee from persecution and conflict. Away from their homelands, men, women, and children seek safety in neighboring countries.  Some brave the Mediterranean seas, others walk perilous deserts with the hope of making it into Europe. Many fall prey to traffickers who exploit them for vast sums of money. CNN’s investigation exposed smugglers syndicate where migrants are auctioned and sold as slaves in Libya.

Every year, tens of thousands of Africans and Arabs try to get into Spain through Ceuta and Melilla. Some are from sub-Sahara Africa, while many others are from conflict zones in Syria and Somalia.  Desperate, they do all they can to scale the border fence.

 In July 800 migrants, some wielding electric saws, shears, and mallets clashed with border security to enter Ceuta from Morocco. About 150 people were injured including 16 officers. 

Humanity Vs. Economic policies

Migrants seeking refuge in Europe, and around the world remains a source of concern for Leaders all over, especially with the rise of terrorism and religious-based violence.  World leaders in recent times have had to make tough choices as regards immigration policies. Throw open the border and allow immigrants, especially refugees into the country or send asylum seekers back. 

Countries seem to be choosing the former. US President Donald Trump made immigration the centerpiece of his electoral campaign with a promise to build a wall to keep Mexican migrants at bay. 

Although the infamous wall has not been built, in 2018, refugee admissions to the United States were reduced to 45,000  – its lowest since 1980. Strict laws are put in place to discourage and resist migrants from entering into the US.  

America first, Trump says, but are migrants mere desperate people whose presence only put a burden on public services and infrastructure?

Research says otherwise.  Report on the impact of immigration on advanced economies, and particularly on those in Europe and North America show that the economies in the UK, Germany, and the US have received a boost thanks to immigrants. 

The findings also show migrants as highly innovative people. Starting up legal businesses and adding to economic growth. The authors’ conclusions say the best performing regions in the US are highly dependent on migrants’ contribution.

So if migrants are contributing to the economy and do not receive the same benefits from the public purse as natives, then why are migrants not welcomed? 

There is a growing disconnect between what the statistics say and what the public perception is concerning immigrants.  But whatever your stance may be, can humanity prevail? 

Migrants fleeing conflict and war zones are desperate and need help.  Their situation is dire. Sending them back to where they are coming from is like sending them to their deaths.