By Chirusha de Mel
During the 1980s, migration became a security
issue in security studies. The duality of threats apparently caused by
migration to both national sovereignty and human security are largely reflected
in much of the recent academic literature. [1] However, I believe that EU
Migration should not necessarily be a threat to human security. Human migration
has existed for hundreds of years. Many individuals flee their country in order
to seek for protection, freedom, and a better opportunity. From a personal
perspective, I know my parents were forced to leave Sri Lanka due to the
threats my father received as a human rights lawyer. When they came to the
United States, they had to start a new life, and since then they have been
grateful for the opportunities that were given to them. I believe that
migration, has helped our nation become more economically stabilized.
In addition, the migration that took place in
Europe in the 19th century has changed dramatically, by transforming
into a consolidated state with fixed frontiers policed by state authorities,
and the European countries became more peaceful and wealthy.
Most individuals that are trying to escape
countries, are the ones who are facing violence. Most of the time migrants do
not want to move, but in order to protect themselves and their families, the
only way to survive is by migrating to different countries. For example, Syrian children — the nation’s hope for a better future — have
lost loved ones, suffered injuries, missed years of schooling, and witnessed
unspeakable violence and brutality. Warring parties forcibly recruit children
to serve as fighters, human shields, and in support roles, according to the
U.S. State Department.[2] Many individuals desire to live the ‘American Dream,’ it
is unfortunate that many are not able to live a proper life, due to the incidences
and violence that occur within their country. We do not understand the pain and
suffering they have to go through, and it is saddening that the ones who need
help the most are the ones who are posed as a threat to security, because of
where they come from. The innocent civilians who were caught in violent attacks
should not been seen as a threat to human security.
Migration
should also be understood in the context of interlinked flows of goods, finance,
and people. The flow of goods and finance is an example of facilitated growth
in the economy. Migration can also bring benefits to tourism industries, and
have a positive influence on the efficiency of local works. Lastly, links with
other cultures in developing countries will increase international trade
greatly. According to Travis, more than 60% of
new migrants from western and southern Europe,
who account for 900,000 of the 2 million who work here, are now university
graduates. For eastern Europeans, 25% are graduates – similar to the proportion
in the UK-born workforce.[3]
EU
migration should not be seen as a threat to human security, because of the many
opportunities that are given to individuals. Not only does it give
opportunities to the migrants, but also sustains the economy positively. Therefore,
it is important to see both sides of migration, and how it can be increasingly
well for the country.
[1] Thompson, C., 2013. Frontiers and Threats: Should
Transnational Migration Be Considered a Security Issue?. Global Policy Journal,
20.11. <
http://www.globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/20/11/2013/frontiers-and-threats-
should-transnational-migration-be-considered-security-issue >
[2] @WorldVisionUSA. "Syria Refugee Crisis FAQ: What You
Need to Know | World Vision." World Vision. N.p., 12 Sept. 2016.
Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
[3] Travis, Alan. "Mass EU Migration into Britain Is
Actually Good News for UK Economy." The Guardian. Guardian News and
Media, 18 Feb. 2016. Web. 22 Oct. 2016./.latest_citation_text
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up an interesting point in terms of the existence of human migration for the past thousands of years. I like how you drew a comparison between the Syrian refugees going into the EU and various groups of people coming to the U.S. While I do think the U.S. is seen as the land of opportunity and has served as a new safe home for many people I think the EU should have some sort of policy to keep track of how many people are allowed in. I also think the EU should allow more refugees in than they are at the moment and I understand some of the drawbacks many EU citizens may forsee, but the U.S. proves to be an example of the positives that can result as a cause of migration.
ReplyDelete-Hedvig Blanco
Thank you!
DeleteI do agree that the EU should implement policies in order to keep track of the people entering the EU, but it is also important to acknowledge that there are genuine refugees out there, who are looking for a place to live peacefully.
I like your personal example. I also like your point that migration has happened historically, and have resulted in good things. I agree that migration is overall a good thing for the countries to which the migrants are heading.
ReplyDeleteBut I think, if I were a citizen of an EU country, that the concern is national security. Citizens living in several European countries I think feel that the million-or-so migrants in 2015 are mostly good and are just seeking refuge--but some, I believe, fear that there may be a few bad eggs sprinkled in since the migrants are coming from areas known to have high levels of terrorism. I think this is justifiable, but, then again, some do take it too far such as the Golden Dawn party in Greece.
(Post by Anthony Coppola)
DeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteI do also agree that there are some individuals that should not enter the country due to terrorism attacks. I think that there should be a policy to do background checks before entering the country, but it should not impact the genuine refugees from entering into the EU.
I really liked how you brought your personal example into the conversation. I understand what you are saying about how human migration has been something that has exist around the world much longer than this current refugee crisis. However, I still think, to some extent, the refugee crisis can have an impact on human security. I agree that migrants should be given the opportunity to have a better life but at the same time I think the lives of the citizen's of the countries the migrants are entering should also be considered.
ReplyDeleteBrianna