It is evident that the global refugee protection system is failing, as can be seen in the vast camps of South Sudan, the cold streets of Istanbul, and the heavily fortified walls of the European Union, as well as in Australia. Over 21 million people worldwide have been forced to seek refuge in foreign countries, and it is the responsibility of governments to provide assistance. Unfortunately, many wealthy nations are avoiding their obligations and treating the refugee crisis as someone else’s burden. They are shutting their borders and using the fear of being overwhelmed as an excuse, while leaving poorer nations in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia to host the vast majority (86%) of refugees. In addition, by ignoring most appeals for humanitarian aid, they have left UN agencies unable to provide adequate food and support to many refugees. (Amnesty International, 2019)
Four steps towards ending the immigration crisis
1. Work together.
It is crucial that affluent nations collaborate and assume joint responsibility for safeguarding refugees. Currently, only a handful of countries bear the majority of the burden of hosting the world’s refugees, while most nations, even some of the largest economies, receive very few or no refugees at all. For instance, over the past decade, Japan has only welcomed 1,107 refugees.
2. Increase support.
In addition, prosperous nations should boost their assistance and financial backing for individuals residing in areas affected by conflicts. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a severe blow to humanitarian funding, with numerous countries refusing to augment aid. In reality, as a cost-cutting measure, some countries, including the United Kingdom, have tried to cut back on their spending on humanitarian relief. While this is happening, the financing gap between needs and available resources for humanitarian causes keeps growing.
3. Protect asylum seekers.
It is crucial for affluent nations to safeguard asylum seekers by refraining from sending them back to hazardous circumstances. The principle of “non-refoulement,” a fundamental aspect of international law, prohibits a nation from returning asylum seekers to a country where they would be subjected to persecution or harm. However, this principle is interpreted differently by different administrations. For instance, despite claims to the contrary from Amnesty International and other organizations, Denmark has attempted to deport Syrians to Damascus under the guise that it is a “safe” destination.
4. Help tackle the root causes.
While the previously mentioned steps focus on addressing the consequences of displacement, it is imperative to tackle the underlying causes of the refugee crisis. Frequently, prosperous nations seem unconcerned with conflicts in distant regions. However, with greater political determination, they can significantly contribute to resolving the issue. Through collaboration with other nations to apply diplomatic pressure, they can assist in achieving long-lasting peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflicts that have compelled millions to abandon their homes (Ireland, 2021).
Three ways to help solve the immigration crisis
1. Boost legal migration.
During the partial federal government shutdown last winter, John Cerone, a visiting professor of international law, shared his views on decreasing the number of illegal immigrants by implementing measures such as constructing a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
2. Reduce disease fears.
Refugees and vulnerable migrants are frequently labeled as carriers of contagious illnesses, which can fuel anxiety among the general public due to the way politicians and public health policies address the issue. However, research conducted by Bhadelia and Johnstone suggests that such groups are more susceptible to acquiring diseases and experiencing worse health outcomes due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, cramped conditions during migration, inadequate nutrition, and disrupted medical care in their home countries. Nonetheless, there is no evidence to indicate that refugees and vulnerable migrants pose a greater risk of transmitting communicable diseases than any other group.
3. Recognize migrants’ vulnerability.
During the migration of a group of asylum-seeking individuals from Central America to the United States last autumn, President Donald Trump suggested that the group might be harboring Middle Eastern terrorists. Although he later admitted to having no evidence to support his statement, he had already portrayed the migrants as a potential danger. However, the main reason why migrants travel in groups is that they are exposed to greater risks and are more vulnerable on their own (Stephenson, 2019).
Conclusion
The resolution of the immigration predicament in the United States necessitates a comprehensive, collaborative endeavor encompassing federal government organizations, state and municipal governments, and private entities. It entails extending aid to Mexico and Central American nations, which have conditions so intolerable that their inhabitants migrate north in search of economic opportunities, freedom, safety, and protection from violence. This is a multifaceted problem that requires an even more intricate set of solutions. However, with the current arrangement of the United States Senate, there is a shortage of courageous leadership and humanitarian conviction to implement the required modifications to provide assistance (Hudak and Stenglein, 2019).
Consider the example of New York City, which has been a melting pot for people of various backgrounds for almost 400 years. Despite this diversity, the city has accumulated vast wealth, surpassing every other city worldwide. It remains a hub for immigrants and their descendants and continues to serve as an economic powerhouse that contributes significantly more tax dollars to the federal government than it receives in spending. Addressing the migrant crisis is not only a moral imperative but also a wise public policy decision for the United States. For those of us who, particularly among my fellow Democrats, believe in the ability of an efficient government to solve seemingly insurmountable problems and care for all people, this is a battle that we cannot afford to lose (Adams, 2023).
Reference
Adams, Eric (2023). Opinion | The migrant crisis needs a solution. Fix it in these six steps. Washington Post. [online] 18 Jan. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/01/18/how-to-fix-migrant-crisis/ [Accessed 22 April 2023]
Amnesty International (2019). Amnesty International. [online] Amnesty.org. Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2015/10/eight-solutions-world-refugee-crisis/ [Accessed 22 April 2023]
Hudak, J. and Stenglein, C. (2019). How states can improve America’s immigration system. [online] Brookings. Available at: https://www.brookings.edu/research/how-states-can-improve-americas-immigration-system/ [Accessed 22 April 2023]
Ireland, P. (2021). Three steps towards ending the refugee crisis. [online] NRC. Available at: https://www.nrc.no/perspectives/2021/three-steps-towards-ending-the-refugee-crisis/ [Accessed 22 April 2023]
Stephenson, H. (2019). Three Ways to Help Solve the Immigration Crisis | Tufts Now. [online] now.tufts.edu. Available at: https://now.tufts.edu/2019/06/18/three-ways-help-solve-immigration-crisis [Accessed 22 April 2023]
