EU Takes Firm Steps on Immigration Policy

Just over ten years since Germany’s Angela Merkel introduced an “open door” policy for mass immigration, which saw Europe experience an influx of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, there’s a growing sentiment of “enough is enough.”

As reported, the European Union is enhancing its ability to monitor, search, and deport migrants. Some non-EU countries, particularly in Africa, are subtly adopting tactics similar to those of the previous U.S. administration under Donald Trump.

The shift in the EU’s immigration policies emerges after right-wing parties gained traction in several countries following the 2024 elections, where they promised stricter border controls and a crackdown on illegal crossings.

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, expressed that the new measures aim to avoid a repeat of the 2015 crisis linked to the Syrian civil war, during which around one million asylum seekers entered Europe.

“We’ve learned from past experiences, and we’re now better prepared,” she stated.

The recently introduced policy, termed the Pact on Migration and Asylum, is set to take effect on June 12. Reports highlight that Italy serves as a model for this initiative.

This model reflects the approach taken by Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has adopted a “tough on immigration” philosophy. Italy currently operates two detention centers in Albania for individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected.

During a recent visit, Councilwoman Rachelle Scarpa noted that the centers are currently housing around 90 migrants, many of whom appeared confused and anxious.

Additionally, the report mentions that Meloni’s government has approved a stringent immigration package allowing the Navy to anchor ships in international waters for up to six months if declared a public threat. This package also includes provisions for returning migrants to their home countries and expediting the deportation of foreign nationals found guilty of crimes.

The underlying principle echoes a strategy seen in the United States: deporting illegal migrants and preventing their arrival in the first place to reduce potential crime against host nations.

Bernd Parcel, a researcher from the Swedish European Policy Institute, highlighted that a coalition of EU nations, including Germany, Austria, and Greece, are working toward establishing a deportation center agreement.

In the UK, faced with the ramifications of the “Boris Wave” of migrants post-Brexit—following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s relaxed immigration policies—Reform UK Party leader Nigel Farage has suggested eliminating the “indefinite leave” immigration status for many. According to reports, a significant number of the migrants from this wave will soon qualify to apply for residency.

Under Farage’s proposed plan, illegal migrants who cross the English Channel will likely encounter expedited deportation processes as well.

For more details, refer to the full AP report.