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Here is the recent version of "Vlad's sociopolitical update" regarding developments worldwide. In this recent special update, I focus on migration, refugees, governments, and human rights. I am interested in different topics, and if you have a favorite topic, please write to me about it, and I will try to publish it later. Here are some of my recent reads.
The New Humanitarian: Morocco and Migration from sub-Saharan Africa
Morocco, distinguishing itself from other Maghreb countries with a more aggressive stance towards African migrants and asylum seekers, has adopted a more tolerant approach, yielding political and economic benefits. This contrasts with nations like Tunisia, where the government has fostered a xenophobic climate.
One success story is Khady Wade Baldé, a Senegalese entrepreneur who founded a chain of beauty salons in Agadir, employing workers from various African countries. Her journey reflects the changing dynamics in Morocco, where African migrants have increasingly become part of the societal fabric since the early 2000s.
Morocco hosts an estimated 70,000 African migrants, including both regular and irregular arrivals, predominantly from West Africa. This shift is partly due to King Mohammed VI's policy since his ascension over two decades ago, emphasizing stronger ties with African nations through aid, education, and investment. A notable example is the visa-free entry for Senegalese citizens, reflecting Morocco's deep historical and religious connections with Senegal.
Central to Morocco's migration policy is the 2014 National Strategy on Integration and Asylum, ensuring public service access for all regular migrants and some benefits for unregistered ones. Additionally, Morocco conducted two significant "regularisation campaigns" in 2014 and 2017, granting formal status to over 50,000 people, mainly from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Despite having strict migration laws, Morocco often employs more liberal executive decrees for policy implementation.
However, migrants in Morocco still face challenges, including social discrimination and sometimes harsh treatment by security forces. Yet, Morocco's official stance on migration has garnered international acclaim, including a positive review by the U.N.'s special rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia. Politically, Morocco's pro-immigration policies are strategically aimed at garnering support for its claim to Western Sahara, a contentious issue in its foreign relations. This stance has strengthened Morocco's position in the African Union regarding the Western Sahara issue.
Economically, migration has benefited Morocco, particularly in agriculture and call centers, which rely heavily on migrant labor. The migrant community, especially from West Africa, plays a crucial role in sustaining key industries contributing significantly to Morocco's GDP. Individual stories, like that of Racine Ba, who moved from Senegal and now works in a tourist guesthouse in Marrakech, illustrate the possibility of successful integration and contribution by migrants to Moroccan society.
Media outlets like Attaches Plurielles are dedicated to showcasing these positive narratives, countering prevalent negative stereotypes about migration. Morocco's approach to African migrants showcases a blend of strategic political decisions and economic pragmatism, resulting in a more inclusive and diverse society, albeit with ongoing challenges.
NBC: Deporations and border politics before the U.S. Presidental elections
In Washington, there are emerging signs of bipartisan agreement in border security negotiations, including progress on plans to expand tracking and expedite the deportation of migrants who cross illegally. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), while not part of the leading negotiating group, acknowledged that this topic is a crucial discussion area.
The proposal under consideration involves extending the Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) program, which currently applies to migrant families. FERM involves placing ankle bracelets on household heads, enforcing a curfew for all family members, and tracking migrants until their court hearings. If migrants do not qualify for asylum, they are prioritized for quick deportation.
The Biden administration supports this expansion and has already started extending FERM to more locations. The program is viewed as an alternative to detention, allowing families to avoid being held in custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Extending the program to other migrant groups beyond families is under consideration, although this would require increased funding for ICE to manage the monitoring and deportations.
This plan could address the deadlock in negotiations over the Republican demand for mandatory detention of all migrants awaiting asylum decisions – a proposal opposed by Democrats. Immigration advocates warn that mandatory detention would reverse Joe Biden’s campaign promise to end family and prolonged detention. At the same time, other Democrats argue it's logistically unfeasible due to already overcrowded detention facilities.
Notably, more individuals are being briefed on the negotiation details, indicating progress. Senate Democrats, led by Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), held extensive discussions. Republicans have also held sessions with their top negotiator, James Lankford of Oklahoma. While senators are hopeful about reaching an agreement, significant issues remain unresolved. Murphy emphasized that several substantial changes to U.S. immigration policy have been agreed upon. However, the deal is still precarious without a complete agreement.
Adding complexity to the negotiations is the Republicans' demand to tie border security funding with aid for Israel and Ukraine. A major point of contention is the humanitarian parole program, which the Biden administration has utilized to legally admit individuals from various countries like Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Democrats resist retroactively revoking this program. Tillis suggests a cap on the number of immigrants entering under humanitarian parole, subject to congressional approval for any excess.
Democrats argue that humanitarian parole has been effective in reducing unauthorized border crossings, and restricting it would exacerbate border issues. Murphy advocates for discussions about reforming the practice but opposes completely denying the president's ability to use parole, as it could worsen the situation at the southwest border.
ECRE: Situation in Europe
In Poland, over 100 NGOs, including the Ocalenie Foundation, the Legal Intervention Association, and the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR), along with numerous individuals, have petitioned Prime Minister Donald Tusk to halt the systematic practice of pushbacks at the Poland-Belarus border. These pushbacks, a method of forcibly returning migrants to the border, have resulted in at least 55 deaths since the crisis's onset. Deputy Minister Maciej Duszczyk, overseeing migration in Tusk's government, insists that pushbacks will continue to secure the border but with added humanitarian considerations, such as exceptions for sick individuals or those needing help.
However, a Polish Border Guard internal report revealed that in 2023, the border wall between Belarus and Poland was ineffective, failing to prevent over 60% of irregular crossings. More than 30,000 people irregularly crossed from Belarus to Poland, with about 13,000 reaching Germany. The report documented at least 3,000 instances of “hot returns.”
In a specific case, the Commander-in-Chief of Poland’s Border Guard acknowledged the illegal deportation of an Ethiopian man who was returned to Belarus shortly after his arrest. The authority admitted the deportation did not meet the legal criteria of immediacy and proximity to the border.
Meanwhile, Finland has extended the closure of its borders with Russia due to concerns over the instrumentalization of migrants. The Finnish Interior Minister deemed the extension necessary, citing ongoing Russian activities. Presidential candidate Pekka Haavisto emphasized the importance of addressing hate crimes and hate speech in Finland, particularly against ethnic minorities, as part of national security and unity against external threats like Russia.
In Slovenia, the number of people intercepted crossing its borders irregularly soared to 60,587 in 2023, predominantly from Croatia, significantly higher than the 32,024 in 2022. Slovenian authorities have extended temporary border controls with Croatia and Hungary. At the same time, Italy has extended control along its border with Slovenia. These measures reflect a broader European concern about migration, border security, and the associated humanitarian and political challenges.
Social Europe: Policy Alternatives to far-right politics on migration
The issue of asylum and migration has become central in the battle to preserve democracy in Europe, with far-right parties exploiting it to undermine societal harmony. European Union member states recently made decisions regarding people movement, but these have not resolved key issues or allayed fears.
The main unresolved issue is the fair distribution of asylum-seekers, refugees, and migrant workers. Despite their legal differences, a unified political approach is needed for a soothing response. The current E.U. policies lack incentives for refugee reception and rely on unrealistic expectations of increased deportations.
The Council of the E.U.'s decisions won't significantly reduce irregular migration, leaving the topic vulnerable to far-right manipulation and threats to democracy.
Alternatives that benefit locals and newcomers are available, aligning with Europe's humanitarian standards. These involve a shift in perspective from exclusionary policies to creating win-win situations. This includes giving municipalities a say in newcomer uptake and involving citizens in decision-making. This approach would reduce resentment from top-down decisions.
Municipalities should voluntarily admit newcomers, supported by financial incentives that fund other local projects. A 'matching' system can align the needs and offers of municipalities with those of newcomers. Funding would come from a European Fund for Municipal Development and Integration, contributed to by all European states, including those not accepting new arrivals.
Taking in refugees with participatory decision-making allows municipalities to consider the benefits of admission. Due to demographic changes and labor demand, many regions have a long-term interest in welcoming people on the move.
Instead of focusing on costly deportations, European countries should facilitate refugees' entry into the labor market through comprehensive training, especially given the current labor shortages in various sectors.
Many cities recognize the cultural and economic benefits of diversity. The Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities (ICCs) network exemplifies this, with over 160 cities worldwide sharing best practices for integration. The ICCs have developed strategies like Barcelona's 'anti-rumours' campaigns to counter far-right xenophobia.
Financial support is crucial for cities managing refugee arrivals. Norway's per capita funding formula for municipalities is one successful model. The ICC program's success lies in its broad appeal across political spectrums, emphasizing diversity's business benefits and humanistic values. Cities like Oslo have embraced demographic growth with campaigns promoting diversity in the workforce. Similarly, Finland's industrial policy highlights diversity's role in fostering innovation.
The ICCs' positive experience has led to a Council of Europe framework for member states to develop national intercultural integration plans. This initiative, endorsed in 2022, offers a counter-narrative to the far right's fear-mongering against migrants, particularly relevant in the upcoming European Parliament elections.
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