As news of the controversial Rwanda bill becoming law in the UK spreads, the government’s aggressive plans to detain asylum seekers have been fast-tracked. Today marks the beginning of the home office’s operation to detain refugees during immigration service appointments and transport them across the country against their will.
The fear of deportation looms large for these individuals who have already escaped war, poverty, and environmental disasters, often risking their lives to reach the UK. However, instead of a successful migration policy, we see migrants leaving the UK in response to these harsh measures. The border between Northern Ireland in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in the EU has become a hotbed of unrest, with protesters displaying nationalist and racist sentiments under the banner of ‘Irish lives matter’.
In the midst of this turmoil, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Micheál Martin criticizes the UK’s approach, emphasizing that migrants do not want to be sent to Rwanda. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on the other hand, defends the government’s actions as a deterrent and a novel solution to the immigration problem. Despite their efforts, more people are arriving rather than decreasing, highlighting the flaws in the £540-million Tory-party plan.
This strategy not only shifts Britain’s historical responsibility as a former colonial power back to Africa but also extends it to its first colony. Sunak’s focus on securing borders and upholding nationalistic rhetoric only serves to instigate fear and division among communities.
Border Dynamics
Borders are not just lines on a map; they define and shape nations and regions. In today’s political climate, borders are stretched and contested, with some countries seeking to expand their territory while others aim to restrict entry and exclude outsiders. The concept of ‘Elastic Borders’ explores the fluid nature of border control, creating tensions and violations in the process of extension and retraction.
![](https://www.eurozine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mediterranean_chart_fourteenth_century2.jpg)
Nautical chart of Mediterranean Sea in portolan style, Genoa, c.1320-1350. Image via Wikimedia Commons
An interdisciplinary team at the University of Graz, in collaboration with Eurozine, explores the concept of Elastic Borders, shedding light on current border practices in Greece, Spain, and Tunisia. From legal frameworks to technological advancements, the articles delve into the complexities of modern border control.
Surveillance and Control
Author Laura Jung draws parallels between historical criminology and contemporary surveillance technologies, highlighting the dangers of using biometric data to control and monitor migrants. The Eurodac database, while touted for its objectivity, raises concerns about privacy and the potential for bias in decision-making.
The criminalization of migrants, even children as young as six years old, reflects a disturbing trend towards preemptive profiling and violation of human rights. The use of technology to track and monitor individuals only serves to perpetuate existing biases and prejudices.
Chiara Pagano’s examination of state violence against Black migrants in Tunisia reveals the harsh realities faced by those seeking refuge in Europe. The EU’s financial aid to combat ‘irregularized migration’ has inadvertently led to the mistreatment and deportation of vulnerable individuals.
Rethinking Immigration Policies
Aleksandra Savanović proposes a shift in focus from detention and control to creating inclusive social infrastructures that support immigrants and promote integration. By learning from past mistakes and adopting a more humane approach to migration, we can dismantle the fortress mentality of ‘fortress Europe’.
As we grapple with the complexities of border control and migration policies, it is imperative to consider the human cost of these decisions. Through empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.