On Immigration, Goats, and Scapegoats

Here’s a round-up of some of the UK’s biggest news in the past few weeks.

1. The Office for National Statistics reported net migration increased by 39% over the previous 12 months, ending March 2014.
2. MP Douglass Carswell defected to the UK Independence Party.
3. ManUtd signed Marcos Rojo for a five-year contract.

What do all three news snippets have in common? That would be one word: “Immigration,” (and yes, even number three if you are to accept this article by Richard Littlejohn). But it is the more pressing, and growing, issue that arises from this hot topic, like the smaller, concentric ripples from a pebble dropped in still waters. That, my friends, would be the topic of the EU, or perhaps more specifically, our status of membership within it.

Map: Irregular Migration in the Mediterranean

Millionaire Couple Launch Civilian Patrol Ship to Rescue Irregular Migrants

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28953237?ocid=socialflow_twitter

Almost as if sensing the heightened polarity surrounding the immigration issue within the EU, from the United Kingdom’s growing net migration, to the “Mediterranean crisis” countries such as Greece and Italy face, the BBC has reported on a story to act as a pick-me-up during these grey times.

The Big Debate on Immigration: Sir Andrew Green Edition

It was a less than stellar week for those fighting against the negative aura that seems to float around the word “immigration.” Everyone had an opinion that needed to be heard. We heard them. From newspaper headlines, to tweets, and then retweets, the perfect storm was created as “I-told-you-so’s” rained down upon all, only to be met with “This-isn’t-the-end’s.”

Meanwhile, Across the Atlantic…

Thought I would quickly touch upon the going-ons across the Atlantic, because it seems we are not alone as tensions arise in our immigration debate….

Demonstrators outside the White House on behalf of undocumented migrants are facing arrest (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Check out the article from the Washington Post on the immigration debate occurring in the United States, and the demonstrations taking place in the city of my alma mater, Washington, DC. It’s funny to think how just five years ago, I was living three blocks away from the White House. Almost makes me wish I was back in university and able to join in on this great cause.

Mass arrests outside White House as protestors ask relief for illegal immigrants

The Big Debate on Immigration: Not a Good Week For Us

This was, more or less, the front page of every newspaper we woke up to this morning: eyes blurry, coffee in hand, and inwardly either cheering or sighing over our breakfast. The second defection to UKIP, arising in the form of Douglas Carswell, was a quite a blow to the Conservative party, and not to mention, Roger Lord. The announcement created a Twitter hailstorm of fury, with opinions and comments spewing out onto that news feed as fast as they could. Among those were twit pics of the front pages of every major UK broadsheet, but it was the Daily Express’ front page that caught my eye in the end.

Standing there in big, bold letters, floating underneath the monstrously huge picture of Brangelina (congratulations, by the way to the married couple), was the headline “TORY SHOCK AS MP JOINS UKIP.” Yet, it was the sub-heading that set off shrill alarm bells in my mind.

Follow-Up: Italy Calls on the EU for Help Dealing with Irregular Migration

Just over an hour ago, Bloomberg reported how, after a meeting between European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem and Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano today, the EU has agreed to spearhead a new program through its Frontex border management agency to alleviate the strain put on Italy’s navy in its efforts to control irregular migration flow in the Mediterranean Sea.

Source: Ansa med: http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/politics/2014/06/05/hrw-and-amnesty-call-on-eu-to-support-italys-mare-nostrum_a9e120af-38db-4b10-a01a-d87ba9885a8b.html?idPhoto=1

This is not only a step in the right direction to deter lives being lost by those travelling this dangerous route, but a step in the right direction for the public perception of the EU. The EU listened, and tangible action has been taken, and that is all we truly could have wanted.

The new program itself is still being finalised, and exactly what it will entail is still unknown. I, however, will stay hopeful, and not to mention excited for the impact it can have on helping those who travel irregularly.

What are your thoughts on this tangible action taken by the EU. I love hearing your thoughts, which is why you can always email me at thetransitnational@gmail.com or tweet me @transitnational. 

#MigrationMeans: IOM’s Global Social Media Campaign

Source: IOM Haiti Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IOMHaiti/photos/a.699790913409784.1073741840.150319315023616/700185843370291/?type=1

It seems that as the immigration debate around the world (or maybe just particularly in Europe) heats up, it’s hard to hear the voices of those who advocate for more tolerance concerning those who are mobile, or desire to be more mobile, whatever their reasons.

The global social media campaign launched by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is exactly the step in the right direction to showcase the positive impacts and benefits migration, at an individual level. Posting tweets and/or pictures of people all over the world stating what #migrationmeans to them, using the hashtag.

It is beautiful. It is brilliant. And most importantly, it is powerful enough to override those who shout at the top of their lungs the “evils” of migration.

Anyone can join in. You can post a picture of yourself with a sentence using #migrationmeans, or, if you are more camera shy, simply tweet using the hashtag! And while you’re at it, head over to the #MigrationMeans website to see the heart-warming compilation of twitpics and tweets.

My favourite one, thus far, is the picture I posted above, taken from IOM Haiti’s Facebook page, which is also featured on the #MigrationMeans website. But as for myself, what does migration mean?

#migrationmeans breaking down cultural barriers to form beautiful new friendships.

As always, you can email me at thetransitnational@gmail.com or tweet me @transitnational!

Italy Speaks Out: We Need More Help From the EU

Just over a month ago, Greek Public Order Minister Vassilis Kikilias appealed to the EU for more funding to help alleviate the 800 percent increase in the number of irregular migrants arriving in Greece. Now, as stated in this Huffington Post article, the country of Italy is following in its footsteps as Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano has recently echoed the Greek Minister’s demands verbatim.

Source: esquire.com

The Big Debate on Immigration: Lord Heseltine Edition

Tens of thousands… tens of thousands…

This phrase has become our Prime Minister’s mantra. I will cut immigration down to the “tens of thousands,” he says, in an effort to appease the British population that see migrants as a problem, and not a benefit. Since these words were first uttered, laws such as the cutting of the time allowed to be on welfare benefits and Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) by new EU migrants have been implemented. But can such efforts be the catalyst that allows the Prime Minister to obtain his holy grail of net migration numbers?

“It doesn’t make sense”

– Lord Heseltine

Lord Michael Heseltine (Source: dailymail.co.u)