The Immigration Paradox

Discussing immigration is always one to be careful with what you say, and it is almost guaranteed to divide people’s views and opinions – morally or politically. It’s been apparent that many governments have initiatives to stop immigration, and whether you agree or not, they haven’t been ‘successful’ in doing so – in the main, they’ve just made the stories of immigrants a whole lot more upsetting and damaging.

The first argument many have is the drastic numbers arriving – but what’s worryingly kept quiet is the large number of those dying on their way. Surely this continued tragic loss of life is the primary problem we need to look to prevent. What a lot of people tend to forget is that thousands of people are attempting to migrate into many wealthier nations around the world, not just other parts of Europe, and unfortunately, they are being warded off, or losing their lives on their way. It is rooted in the perennial struggle between the ‘have lots’ and the ‘have nots,’ but recently it’s become far more invidious. There is a generation that is not just poor, it’s without hope. This is encouraging far too many to accept unacceptable odds and risk everything.

The democratic nation of Senegal on the most western tip of Africa, has been subject to some truly devastating cases. Thousands of families are grieving loved ones every single day as they await confirmation of arrival, or death. Young adults are struggling to see any hope by staying in Senegal – those in fishing towns are quickly realising there are limited ways to get by as they contest with large industrial fishing boats – locals are calling life ‘unbearable’ as a result. The excuse of the fishing agreement between the EU and Senegal is no longer valid as the designated areas for Senegalese fishers are now exploited. They struggle to keep the large Chinese fishing fleets from plundering the diminishing shoals they have lived on for centuries.

With the rapid removal of the one thing that allowed Senegalese people to live well in their home country – so is it any shock that thousands are looking for a way out elsewhere?

Senegal are just one of many countries with their people wanting to escape for a better life and better opportunities, but they’re doing so across some of the most dangerous and treacherous seas – it’s no longer good enough to be obsessed about stopping the boats and the toxic traffickers. Even just asking why they are fleeing, is not enough. We need to start asking what we can do to prevent it – but in a humane way. Not sending boats back across waters that kill thousands.

The solution is not an easy one, nor is it obvious. But one way we can tackle the issue at hand is supporting their workers and businesses that creates opportunities where they are already living – give them hope for where they live.

European leaders, especially UK, can make a positive difference if they try. Funding and advising local businesses, economies and education can put people on a path that doesn’t require risked lives or abandonment. The issue may not be the immigrants coming in, but it’s actually the immigrants not making it.

Up until 2020, we had the Department for International Development (DFID). A government ministry that with some success aided international development and gave other nations support in various sectors, including education, social services, development planning and lots more bold initiatives to get governments and societies in a condition where they had opportunities and better promise for their future. But under Boris Johnson this was abolished and merged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to create the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The FCDO had the intentions to continue what DFID was so good at – instead, it has begun to neglect this and prioritise promoting and demonstrating British values. The funding was without a doubt a great initiative taken, but maybe it’s time to have practical solutions alongside it. We have resources to really help other nations, as do most of Europe – it would be beneficial for us to show them how to run businesses, how to make the most of education, and directly show them what the future could look like.

Instead, we have cut funding, pushed them to the side and complain when they take outrageous risks that they feel forced to take.

The merger has evidently not gone completely to plan as Andrew Mitchell has been open about fighting to have the DFID back as its own act.

The acts and plans to tackle immigration issues across the world speaks volumes of the type of populist leaders we have in charge. For every leader, there are much more humane ways to deal with this constantly growing and desperate issue. In this case, it isn’t just the UK seeing an increase in migration, Europe, USA, Canada and many more – but we mustn’t see this as an isolated negative issue just for us. It must be seen as a wake-up call as to what we can do together to give these people hope in their own country. Nobody should ever feel like they are being pushed away or forced out of somewhere they feel they belong.

There’s a much bigger issue at hand than perhaps many of us realise, we cannot let it get too late before we act accordingly.

Caring isn’t expensive – it’s priceless.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” - Desmond Tutu.

Thought of the week:

Peace only happens when we come together.

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Tips for becoming an A player:

• Make the smart choice and include others
• To heal, we must love and care for others
• Celebrate diversity
• Give people somewhere to belong
• Allow everyone to be their authentic selves

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