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In virtually every corner of the world, developed and developing societies alike are struggling with illegal immigration. In many countries, there are few topics more controversial than granting amnesty to illegal aliens. On the United Nations' International Migrants Day, Joseph Chamie provides an overview of the debate.
From the above enumeration, one finds several identical concerns for and against amnesty or legalization, such as costs, crime, fairness and security.
These concerns, however, are interpreted in vastly different ways. For some, granting amnesty will be costly to taxpayers, while for others denying legalization will be costly to the nation.
Also, while some believe that the security of the nation is threatened by amnesty, others feel that national security is enhanced with legalization.
With regard to the undesirability of illegal immigration, widespread agreement exists among nations and much of the public. Few, if any, responsible authorities, organizations or officials openly advocate or support illegal immigration, as this would clearly be in violation of national laws and international norms.
However, views differ considerably on how to deal with those unlawfully residing or working in a country. The old adage “Where you stand depends on where you sit” seems apropos in this instance.
Positions or stands on amnesty are to a great extent determined by the specific circumstances in which nations, organizations and communities find themselves. Sending countries, agricultural employers and ethnic associations, for example, are likely to be supportive of legalization because it is believed to be in their respective interests (e.g., remittances, low-wage unskilled labor and ethnic solidarity).
In contrast, receiving countries, low-wage workers and nativist citizen groups, for instance, are likely to oppose amnesty, again because it is seen as not in their respective interests (e.g., governance, depressed wages and acculturation).
Nations generally recognize that the prevention of illegal immigration may be facilitated by interstate cooperation to address its root causes.
Important factors contributing to illegal migration include international economic imbalances, poverty and environmental degradation, the absence of peace, security and basic human rights. Progress in overcoming some of these problems will contribute to making the choice of remaining in one’s country a viable option, and this in turn will help reduce the pressures to resort to illegal migration.
Development efforts may also be complemented with domestic and overseas programs to make potential migrants aware of the legal conditions of entry, residence and employment in receiving countries.
Despite improved interstate cooperation, development programs and public information campaigns, illegal immigration is expected to persist for the foreseeable future. On the one hand, the more developed regions, many of which are declining in size and aging rapidly,
On the other hand, the populations of the less developed regions are growing relatively rapidly, with many of working age facing serious difficulties finding gainful employment. As a result, increasing numbers of these people are likely to be heading to the comparatively wealthier countries in both the North and South.
While some of these migrants will have documents permitting legal entry, large numbers will lack legal authorization to enter, remain or work in the receiving country.
Addressing the presence of these men, women and children who have illegally taken up residence in a country remains a major challenge for the international community of nations in the 21st century.
Editors Note: Joseph Chamie, former director of the United Nations Population Division, is director of research at the Center for Migration Studies. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Center for Migration Studies.
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