New EU framework on immigration is very much welcome
History has made its case that immigration keeps countries young and dynamic. For all to benefit, there needs to be a series of humane legal processes in place to make sure those who should be admitted can be, and those who should not are dealt with fairly and efficiently.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair said: “A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in – and how many want out.”
No immigration policy could realistically be scaled up to what people might want from the outside.
It is ironic that Europe’s inability to deal effectively with the issue of immigration was one of the main drivers of Brexit, rightly or wrongly.
After a decade of deadlock, the EU has finally come up with a framework after the European Parliament approved a new policy to harden the bloc’s borders.
John F Kennedy argued that “immigration policy should be generous; it should be fair; it should be flexible”. He added: “With such a policy, we can turn to the world, and to our own past, with clean hands and a clear conscience.”
So how does the new Brussels overhaul measure up in a JFK context? According to Justice Minister Helen McEntee, the new asylum system will be “an absolute gamechanger”. It provides for legally binding time frames for making decisions on international protection applications, and appeals will be introduced.
It speeds up processing for those from safe countries or those with no documents or with false papers.
In short, returning unsuccessful applicants will be easier. But genuine applicants will move through the system more swiftly. Controversially, it also allows for more people to be detained in facilities at borders.
The provision of “reception centres” has also raised concerns. While conditions and healthcare will have to meet recognised standards, they are viewed as a means of putting a brake on “asylum tourism”.
Equally contentious is the fact countries will also be allowed to make financial contributions in lieu of taking in asylumseekers.
Increasing global conflict, climate change and, in Europe in particular, the invasion in Ukraine, have forced migration to the top of the political agenda. Some frontline countries were overburdened while others were shirking their responsibilities. The principle of “solidarity” has been stitched into the new system.
This means that should a country be overwhelmed by numbers – as was Italy last year – asylumseekers can be relocated to other member states. The objective has been that the rules be clear and enforceable. Time will tell if they are. The need to introduce uniformity and equity across the bloc was obvious.
The contribution of immigrants to Ireland has been immense. The health and many other sectors depend on them. Just as generations left our own shores, we must protect those who come to ours.
The system has to prove it can balance justice with real needs in the light of practical realities.