Illegal Immigration
What is illegal immigration?
Illegal immigration refers to the migration of people into a particular country from another in a way or ways that violate the immigration laws of that country, or people remaining in a country where they no longer have the legal right to remain.
Illegal immigration is almost always of a financially upward nature, in the sense that people migrate from poorer to more developed nations.
What are the reasons behind illegal immigration?
•Trade liberalization: Developing nations have pursued globalization by adopting measures to liberalize trade, which has led to the displacement of large numbers of agricultural or unskilled workers, who migrate to other countries for opportunities.
•Poverty: This is the main factor behind most illegal immigration. An increase in poverty, especially when associated with immediate crises, can increase the likelihood of illegal migration.
•Overpopulation: Population growth which exceeds the carrying capacity of an area or environment results in overpopulation. This is seen mostly in developing nations, and it is generally the poorer segments of society that migrate to other countries.
•Issues related to war and asylum: Unauthorised arrival into other nations may be prompted by the need to escape civil war or repression in the country of origin. They can, however, apply for asylum in the country they are going to. Asylum seekers are usually not considered to be illegal immigrants.
•Deprivation of citizenship: This is the issue with the Rohingya population of Myanmar, who have been denied citizenship and have faced mass persecution by state authorities. In such a situation, they have moved to India, Bangladesh, and other southeast Asian nations illegally.
What are the problems faced by illegal immigrants?
•No access to services: Illegal immigrants cannot get any access to the country`s social services or other kinds of services, such as healthcare or financial. Documents can be forged to gain access to such services.
•Slavery: This is the widest-reaching problem faced by illegal immigrants, especially those who move to other developing nations. They are usually promised a life of security by their ``handlers`` and are then sold off to various individuals or groups to work as laborers. They do not approach authorities to protest as they are illegal immigrants. Although its incidence is more in developing nations, this can be seen in many developed nations of the world including the USA.
•Prostitution and sex trafficking: Many undocumented immigrants are forced into sex trafficking, especially women and children. The incidence of this has been particularly rampant in the USA Mexico border area.
•Many migrants also die while crossing over to the countries, either in deserts or due to capsizing of boats.
•Illegal immigrants always face the risk of being detained and deported back to their home country.
What are the methods of migrating illegally?
•Illegal border crossing: This is the most commonly used method of migrating to other nations. Some of the well-known borders are the United States–Mexico border, the Mona Channel between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Strait of Otranto. Migrants often die due to suffocation in containers, drowning at sea, dehydration and many others get separated from their families, never to meet again. Human smuggling is also a way of granting migrants entry into the nations.
•Overstaying a visa: Many undocumented immigrants are migrants who originally arrive in a country lawfully but overstay their authorized residence. This is particularly true of the USA and Canada.
•Sham marriages: People who are not in a genuine relationship can get married in order to become citizens of a nation. The green card incidence in the USA is a classic example of how this works. One needs to marry a US citizen and produce proof of the marriage in court in order to get citizenship. Once it is granted, they divorce and live their separate lives.
In recent years, many countries have started facing the problem of illegal immigration with new momentum. US President Donald Trump`s plan to build the border wall across the US-Mexico border is a result of the high immigration incidences from Mexico into the USA. Nations like the UK, Germany, and Sweden are also passing legislation with respect to illegal immigration. Bangladesh has provided asylum to thousands of Rohingyas who have fled from Myanmar.
Where does India stand with regard to illegal immigration?
It is estimated that India houses millions of immigrants, many of whom have false citizenship records as well. There are at least 15 million migrants from Bangladesh while the others belong to Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Rohingya community of Myanmar. According to the latest reports of the Government of India, there at least 20 million illegal immigrants from Bangladesh alone. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, at least 10 million Bangladeshis had crossed into India illegally to seek refuge from widespread persecution. They usually settle in the states of Assam and West Bengal.
A trip from Bangladesh to India is the cheapest in the world, costing no more than Rs. 2000. False documentation can also be attained with very little money and due to the similarities in culture, Bangladeshis can easily settle down in parts of India.
India is constructing barriers on its eastern borders to combat illegal immigration. India is constructing a fence along the border to restrict illegal traffic from Bangladesh. The fence aims to stop infiltration of terrorists, prevent smuggling, and end illegal immigration from Bangladesh. The government has created the National Register for Citizens to recognise undocumented immigrants.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/number-of-illegal-immigrants-crossing-border-surges-after-us-ends-family-separations