Our World

Illegal Immigration...In Europe

Ministers from more than fifty countries from Africa and the European Union met to discuss migration problems recently. A declaration has been adopted between these two continents with a goal of diminishing the number of illegal immingrants in Europe. African nations were hoping for a multi-billion dollar fund to be put into place, but were denied that amount after two days of talks. Instead the European Commissioner for Development Louis Michel said that European nations weren't ready to donate that much money and offerred $52 million to develop a different fund.

There have been many blogs written on the issue of illegal immigration between the United States and Mexico, but I guess I never really realized the extent of this problem worldwide. I was very impressed to read how European nations plan to curb illegal immigration. The fund created by the declaration is meant to finance development projects that would counteract the movement of young Africans to Europe. Mainly, the declaration will lower the cost for Africans to send money earned from Europe. Leaders stated, "Illegal or irregular immigration cannot be addressed solely from a security perspective."

I think this is a very wise and mature plan and am surprised the United States has not yet thought of this or implemented it. The lack of success within the United States shows that using only security methods is not enough. Granted, it is important to reduce the amount of illegal immigrants now, but it is just as crucial to provide for the future. If nations were to help the people and conditions of the developing country, illegal immigration wouldn't be as prevelant or problematic because citizens wouldn't feel compelled to leave. Anyone else agree?

European Union and African Declaration

posted by Anonymous @ 11/23/2006 08:01:00 PM