As an Immigration Tide Swells, Europe Treads Water

Spain has the most nuanced laws in Europe regarding immigrants and refugees. Still, illegal immigration remains a contentious issue in the country that has received more than 11,000 immigrants from Africa this year. At a recent conference in Morocco, attended by delegates from European and African governments, representatives pledged to move towards a fair resolution of the problem, and the agenda resembles that of US politicians, including tightened borders, workplace enforcement, economic development, and issues of assimilation and national identity. The conference, observes analyst Lawrence Downes, was a “halfhearted mix of tolerance and enforcement, where compassion and toughness cohabit in a way that seems designed to thwart an actual solution.” Few recognize that other European policies, particularly trade regulations biased against poor developing nations, only encourage the increased migration. – YaleGlobal