Illegal immigration, a sad reality that is still relevant today!
Every year, millions of people attempt to cross Western borders illegally, often at the peril of their lives. According to a report from the international organization for migration, the number of international migrants worldwide increased from 84 million in 1970 to 281 million in 2020, with a significant portion of these migrants traveling clandestinely. The preferred mode of transport is illegal sea crossing; in 2022 alone, nearly 3,800 people died attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, and this number continues to rise.
These alarming statistics reveal the extent of the phenomenon and the considerable dangers faced by migrants each day, as behind each figure lie human lives exposed to extreme risks, broken families, and disrupted life journeys. In this article, we explore the main dangers associated with illegal immigration, both for the migrants themselves and for host countries.
I - What is illegal immigration?
Illegal immigration, often referred to as undocumented or irregular immigration, refers to the unauthorized entry into a territory by individuals who have not followed the required legal procedures. Unlike regular immigration, which adheres to the laws, treaties, and regulations established by states, illegal immigration circumvents these rules.
According to the International organization for migration, from the perspective of host countries, illegal immigration concerns individuals who enter, reside, or work without meeting the necessary legal conditions. From the standpoint of countries of origin, migration becomes irregular when a person crosses an international border without the necessary documents or without having followed the administrative procedures to leave their country.
The International Labour Organization, on the other hand, does not define illegal immigration but focuses on “illegally employed” migrants. These are individuals who, at some point during their journey, upon arrival, or during their stay, violate national laws or international agreements regarding work. The illegality of migration can thus take two forms: the manner of entering the country and the manner of staying. Some migrants enter legally but exceed the authorized duration of stay, thereby becoming illegal. Others, however, enter the territory illegally but later manage to regularize their situation.
II - The causes of illegal immigration
Before discussing the dangers of illegal immigration, it is important to focus on the causes that drive people to such drastic solutions. Illegal immigration is a complex reality, often motivated by desperate circumstances. People who choose to leave their country illegally are typically driven by economic, social, political, or environmental reasons, and often see no other choice but to take the risk.
Among the causes, we have:
Poverty and lack of economic opportunities: In many regions of the world, poverty is so pervasive that illegal immigration becomes an obvious solution. In Cameroon, for example, many young people leave the country, braving the sea and the desert under extremely difficult conditions, simply hoping for a better life. Some even commit thefts to “Boza,” a common expression meaning “to go on an illegal adventure.” For these individuals, local jobs are scarce, poorly paid, and do not meet their family’s needs. Therefore, they turn to more prosperous countries in hopes of finding opportunities, even if it means crossing borders illegally.
Armed conflicts and insecurity: War and widespread violence force entire populations to flee their countries. Regions like Syria, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa are experiencing conflicts that leave residents with no choice but to leave to save their lives. They desperately seek safety, even if it means undertaking perilous journeys, often without documentation. For example, in Sudan, since the beginning of the crisis between rival forces in April 2023, more than 3 million people have been displaced within the country, and approximately 700,000 Sudanese have sought refuge in neighboring countries like Egypt, Chad, and Ethiopia.
Environmental crises and natural disasters: Climate change and environmental degradation have direct consequences on migratory movements. For example, in East Africa, the drought that has persisted for several years has made regions like Somalia and Ethiopia nearly uninhabitable. Agricultural land has become barren, water resources are dwindling, and thousands of families are forced to leave their homes. These environmental disasters drive many people to migrate, often without the necessary documents, in hopes of finding more stable living conditions elsewhere.
Restrictions of legal immigration systems: Legal immigration systems are often very restrictive, with strict quotas and difficult admission criteria. For many, these barriers are insurmountable. Faced with the impossibility of following legal pathways, some migrants are forced to circumvent these processes and enter the countries they hope to join illegally. Their goal is often to regularize their status once they arrive or to blend in with other undocumented residents, hoping for a better life.
Smuggling networks and traffickers: Criminal networks exploit the vulnerability of migrants by promising crossings to more prosperous countries for exorbitant sums. These smugglers, indifferent to their safety, often put them on precarious boats, exposing them to dangerous, sometimes deadly journeys. Driven by desperation and the desire for a better life, many migrants unfortunately fall into these traps, despite being aware of the risks they face. A notable example is African migrants who attempt daily to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe. Many entrust their lives to smugglers who cram them onto makeshift boats, with no regard for their safety.
III - The consequences of illegal immigration
Illegal immigration has numerous consequences, both for the migrants themselves and for the host and home countries.
1. For migrants
Undocumented migrants often find themselves in very precarious situations. They are vulnerable to exploitation, whether by unscrupulous employers or human traffickers. Without legal status, they have almost no protection and are frequently treated unfairly. Their living conditions are often very difficult, and many lack access to healthcare, education, or decent housing, forcing them to live in extreme poverty.
The journey to a foreign country is also fraught with dangers. Whether crossing arid deserts or navigating makeshift boats at sea, migrants are exposed to serious risks to their health, safety, and sometimes even their lives. Moreover, the lack of legal status leads to profound isolation. Migrants often feel excluded from social and professional life, living in constant fear of being arrested or deported. This situation prevents them from truly integrating and building a new life in safety.
2. For host countries
The massive influx of undocumented migrants often places significant pressure on public services. Healthcare, education, and housing systems can become overwhelmed, especially when these migrants cannot contribute financially to these infrastructures.
Regarding security, while most migrants are simply seeking to improve their lives, the absence of legal regulation can sometimes allow individuals involved in criminal activities to pose as ordinary migrants. This can create concerns about safety. Additionally, illegal immigration can provoke social tensions. In times of economic crisis, some people may perceive migrants as a threat to available jobs. Such tensions can exacerbate relationships between local residents and newcomers.
3. For home countries
Home countries suffer a significant loss of human capital when young, skilled, and ambitious individuals choose to migrate illegally. This “brain drain” deprives these countries of talent and vital resources that could otherwise contribute to economic development and local growth. By losing these valuable individuals, local economies see their development potential stifled, as they face a skills and human resources deficit necessary for progress.
Furthermore, illegal migration often leads to long separations within families. Family members remaining in the home country may suffer from the disintegration of family structures, profoundly impacting the emotional stability and well-being of children and loved ones left behind. These prolonged separations can create family tensions, psychological distress, and destabilize family dynamics, thus increasing the challenges these families face in the absence of their loved ones.
Illegal immigration is a real and ongoing problem. It leads to the exploitation of migrants, overloads public services, and disintegrates families. To effectively address it, it’s important to take measures such as: facilitating legal pathways by providing more accessible opportunities for legal immigration, encouraging local economic development by investing in the economies of home countries to reduce the reasons that drive people to migrate illegally, and raising awareness about the dangers of illegal migration. By implementing these strategies, we can tackle the challenges of illegal immigration in a more humane and balanced way.
Feel free to share this article with your loved ones and support them financially using Transfergratis. It’s a simple, fast, and effective app that allows you to send funds from Canada to several African countries, for free and at the current exchange rate. Don’t forget to browse our blog for more articles like this.
