Immigration in Europe - HumanitarianNet - Universidad de Deusto

FRAMING THE ISSUES AND MEETING THE CHALLENGES... 31not included as an integral and equal part in immigration policy andplanning by governments.Most migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, leave their countriesbecause they have to, not because they want to. Many migrants arecompelled to flee their countries because of extreme poverty, politicalconflict or natural disaster. After reaching their final destinations andfinding work, the great majority become a primary source of supportfor those left behind. For most migrants, the issue of immigration is anissue of survival for themselves and their loved ones.In order to seriously and sincerely address the root causes ofmigration, the EU must look at its level of overseas development aid(ODA). In Europe, the ODA contribution has been as low as 0.14 % ofGDP. The recommended United Nations target is 0.7 % of GDP. In 2001,if every country worldwide had met this target, an extra $112 billioncould have been available for support of work in developing countries(JRS, 2002, p. 2). Overseas aid is key to helping poorer economies developand create the conditions necessary for people to stay and supporttheir families in their own communities.In devising immigration policies, member states must include theissue of overseas aid as an integral part of any plan. Member statesshould work closely with the governments of sending countries to identifyregions with the highest numbers of out migration and develop projectsin those regions to support and sustain the livelihoods of potentialmigrants and their family members.Irregular migrationMember states in the EU are confronted with and fear continuedirregular immigration. Uncontrolled irregular migration harms both themigrants themselves —some lose their lives in transit, while all facedifficult conditions after arrival— and the receiving communities, whichmay have inadequate resources to accommodate the needs of largenumbers of undocumented persons.How should Europe address the issue of the increasing number ofundocumented persons living within its borders? Their presence is areality. Most flee situations of political instability or poverty in theirhome countries. Many enter illegally. They work in Europe, raise theirchildren here, contribute to the economy and often play a major role inthe support and development of the villages and communities theywere forced to leave behind. They contribute to the labour market andcultural richness in Europe and to the development of the rest of theworld. However, they are the most vulnerable of populations. Most