Offering protection to asylum seekers and refugees is a Global responsibility and seeking asylum is a human right. According to the UNHCR report of 2022, there are 35 million refugees globally. Most of them come from areas of conflict and war, to escape political or religious persecution or human rights violations through torture, violence or imprisonment. Ethnicity, religion, political leanings or even sexuality may be reasons for persecution. Most of the refugees are from countries like Syria, Afghanistan or Ukraine. They seek refuge in European countries, creating problems for host countries. One of the reasons for Brexit was the influx of immigrants into U.K. Recently Prime Minister Sunak’s government threatened to pack them off to Rwanda, but was stopped by their Supreme Court. European countries are now treating this as a European issue and have formed uniform rules which gives them greater control over their borders, and liberty to refuse refugee status to unfit candidates.

Immigration is not just a 21st-century phenomenon. Migration from one country to another has been going on since time immemorial. Even natural disasters have brought about migration to countries that offer security and better living conditions. In the 19th century bad economic conditions in Europe drove people to America. Slave drivers transported thousands of people to work as indentured labourers in the new country. Religious persecution sent the Pilgrim Fathers and Mennonites to the new continent. Racial and religious persecution of Jews under Hitler’s regime, saw an exodus to Israel and America.

In spite of stringent Immigration laws in USA, the country faces the problem of illegal immigrants slipping into the country through porous borders.

India lacks specific legislation regarding refugees. Many slip in from Bangladesh, Myanmar, or Pakistan. India has a border of 2500 miles bordering W. Bengal, and North Eastern states. In 1971, when there was an influx of Muslims, there was a clamour for immediate deportation. In December 2019, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed in the Indian Parliament. It permitted Buddhists, Jains, Hindus, Parsis, or Christians to migrate to India from countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh because of religious persecution. Only Muslims were not welcome.

Economic immigrants are usually skilled professionals like doctors, engineers, and other professionals who want a better standard of living, high wages, research facilities, and scope for progress in their special fields. But there are many people of middle and lower income groups who yearn for a better life in the First World. Touts encourage and promise them glowing prospects abroad and charge them exorbitant fees. Most of them end up cooling their heels in prison or are unceremoniously deported back to their countries of origin. A recent incident was reported from France when an Airline carrying prospective immigrants to Nicaragua was detained, and they were sent back to India.

Among illegal immigrants, large numbers are unskilled or semi-skilled. Many of them make valuable contributions to the host country and increase the labour force. They work for lower salaries and agree to long working hours. But they also contribute to problems. By adding to the population they put a strain on infrastructure. They take up jobs which should rightly go to locals. Disgruntled locals stir up animosity against the immigrants. Social problems may increase as they may flout laws and pose security threats. They group together in crowded unhygienic shacks and may spread disease. There may be terrorists or criminals or drug traffickers among them. Some of them may be alcoholics or vagabonds who refuse to work. They may import diseases like TB, HIV or Hepatitis B. Their children don’t get admission to schools and run amok in the streets.

But educated professionals like doctors, engineers, and scientists are assets to the host country. The Silicon Valley in USA is a case in point, where Asian immigrants have boosted the prestige and wealth of the country.

Businessmen build up flourishing Business Empires, creating well-paid jobs for thousands of locals. Increased production of goods produces increased consumer demands. Some of the richest men in UK are Indian businessmen.

It also behoves the immigrants to follow the laws of the land, integrate with locals and not huddle together in ghettos. Even among the educated, this is a common problem. People of one country or religion or caste, group together, inviting animosity of the locals. Adaptation to a new country is by no means easy. But it is important to abide by prevalent social and moral codes. Securing the respect and confidence of locals will hasten integration.

Racial prejudice is something many immigrants have to face and is prevalent even today in countries like the UK. Many people feel that their island is small and overcrowded with immigrants who are eating into their privileges. If accused of racism they are quick to deny such feelings. Britain ought to appreciate the role of immigrants in their country. The Universities are thriving because of the foreign students who come to study in UK. The National Health Service is kept alive by doctors from Asian countries.

Most countries have their own asylum and immigration laws. Once they are legally allowed to stay they should be assimilated into the country without prejudice or partiality. George Eliot says, “The responsibility of tolerance lies with those who have wider vision”

However, UNHCR has model Refugee rules for countries to follow. Immigrants must be integrated into the community as soon as convenient, rather than be incarcerated in refugee camps for any length of time. They have to be protected against racism, xenophobia and discrimination. Amnesty International campaigns with governments to honour their responsibility of protecting the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.

“We are all fellow-passengers on this planet and we are all equally responsible for the happiness and the well-being of the world in which we live.” Says Hendrik van Loon.

But while the plight of refugees evokes sympathy, there must be a limit to what a host country can bear. Immigration is a Global phenomenon but can also be a Global dilemma.

.    .    .