Dealing With Undocumented Immigration 
by Global Crisis Solution Center

 
One of the causes of the type of violence, organ trafficking, murder, torture and holding for ransom which currently exist for illegal migrants who are trying to better their life and that of their children, or escape a repressive situation, is the low esteem which the receiving (host) nations have towards the undocumented individual. Since nobody wants them, they are open for anyone to take unscrupulous advantage.  
 
If this could be changed through a number of measures, it would provide an incentive to others to join the fight against the worst abuses of  trafficking in human beings worldwide.  
 
The fact of the matter is that while migrants crossing borders without papers are not generally wanted by the host country, it is a phenomenon which cannot be stopped, and which has proven to be of major benefit to the host country in many cases, although often denied, due to many economic and social factors at different level of the social structure. 
 
Therefore, to acknowledge openly the currently undisclosed permissive attitude of many host countries, and to highlight the benefits received through the acceptance and assimilation of illegal migrants, would provide a first step toward alleviating a situation in which many horrific crimes are currently being perpetrated.  
 
In one country, for instance, approximately 200,000 'illegal migrants', henceforth 'undocumented immigrants', are estimated to being resident, settled or assimilated. There are a number of voluntary associations within each country which play an active role in helping these immigrants, and even governmental social services play a supporting role in a growing number of cases. In fact, one NGO involved is a group of doctors providing medical first-aid on the border to those who are successful in crossing and have suffered terrible physical and psychological torture. 
 
One of the factors which weighs strongly in favor of actively doing something to create a more positive atmosphere is the fact that many undocumented immigrants who are successfully settled, even if for a short time, are suffering from gross physical and psychological trauma due to experiences encountered during the journey.  
 
So the question is: What can countries do to ameliorate the current conditions suffered by many undocumented immigrants. 
 
First, make known the actual current statistics related to the acceptance and assimilation for these undocumented immigrants. 
 
Secondly, provide for safe passage. How could this be accomplished? One way is to offer a certain set amount of money to be paid to guides or transporters upon successfully and safely reaching the border and crossing into the host country. This could become institutionalized within those communities which are actually providing the guides. Since there are many more individuals and groups which would be willing to partake in such a service, it would establish an effective counterweight as against the groups of human traffickers. Also, in exchange for help, the host nation could provide for various forms of recognition, support, and remuneration either through trade, diplomatic support, guest worker programs, or other forms of appreciation to those communities and/or nations which help in safe transit. 
 
While some would argue that to do this would only encourage a flood of migrants which could not be accommodated by the host country, there are certain measures which could be put in place to mitigate against this happening. I will treat this point further below. 
 
Third, since it benefits the society to have undocumented immigrants who have not suffered horrific traumas in the transit, a specific budget could be allocated by the community to provide certain support and rehabilitation services.  

Fourth, to fund studies of all the positive sides, as well as the negative sides, of undocumented migration, the part these individuals play in the society, the assimilation process, the value added, as well as the costs incurred by the host nation through deportation.
. One of the costs, is the cost of shipping undocumented immigrants back to countries from which they have come, or to other countries which accept them on a temporary or permanent basis.
. Another cost is the knowledge that in many cases, by transferring individuals back to their home country or third country, or by refusing entry, we are signing the death warrant or years of imprisonment to many individuals who only sought freedom or a better life. In many cases the undocumented immigrants are not simply returned to a situation similar to that from which they came.

Dealing with the flood of migrants.

Fifth, in a cooperative agreement between nations, it could be determined how many undocumented immigrants can be supported by each country in realistic terms. In other words, legitimize the status of 'undocumented immigration', and accept the true needs, capability, capacity and possibility for integration and assimilation for each country. Once the quotes are set, then there can be trade-offs between nations. For instance, a country acting as a major transit point for migrants can request help from another member of the community through a number of economic, social, and diplomatic tradeoffs. 

Sixth, the institutionalization of training centers in the country of origin. In many cases, would-be undocumented immigrants do not have the necessary training or education which would provide for greater assimilation into the host country. Such training could be done in the countries of origin in agreement with the EU or other host country. Or, the centers could be established in the host country to provide a certain basic level of education and training leading to more successful assimilation. This might include the provision of funding for the development of worker training program, and stipends for worker-in-training participants and families. And further, the granting of allowances for those hiring undocumented immigrants.  

All of this is starting to sound as though it is simply increasing the current scope of 'legal' immigration between countries. The fact of the matter is that most of the undocumented immigrants come from countries which are not normally on the list of countries generally providing 'acceptable' legal immigrants. The migrants come from cultures which have not provided the necessary education/training needed by the social/industrial complex of the host country. In other words, we must emphasize the fact that these are 'undocumented' migrants, many of whom fill roles in the host country which are not often considered in the assessment and procedural activities for documented workers, or for potential 'new' citizens. 

Seventh, more funding could be provided to countries of origin to provide for the type of low level social/economic/educational opportunities which would keep many of the would-be immigrants from wanting to migrate.  We need to determine what it is that leads individuals in any specific country or community to seek migration even with the possibility of death. Such funding could be funneled through NGOs within the countries of origin for potential migrants, or through the offer of help to specific institutions in the country of origin which will provide an alternative where no alternative currently exists. 

Eighth, actually providing transportation and a form of documentation which could ease the personal and institutional costs of the current journeys.  

And from where would all this money come? 
Currently, large sums of money are being expended to: . build walls 
. deploy advanced monitoring systems 
. train and station guards 
. provide return transfer to country of origin or alternative locations 
. provide medical and psychological services for those who have undergone physical and psychological trauma 
. provide for constant policing, detention and imprisonment of 'illegals' until they can be deported 

On the other hand, significant revenue is being lost through disruption and incapacitation caused by: 
. disrupted industrial or social situations when deportation takes place 
. tension and fear of discovery and deportation under which many individuals and families live, with its attendant costs  

These are huge costs which could be otherwise used to actually help ourselves, as well as those who seek a better life, or a life free from persecution.  

In fact, in many cases the cost would be less because there would be many NGOs and individuals who would be willing to volunteer their time and talents to make such a system work. 

We owe it to ourselves as part of the human community to see to it that the current system is changed. We can contribute to a community which fosters growth and hope in a world in increasing turmoil and change.  

Migration will occur whether we want it or not. The world is on the move, as were our own parents and ancestors as part of previous movements across the face of the earth. We can create a positive response which will ameliorate the tragedies and hardships currently experienced by those who do not deserve what they presently endure.