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Who benefits from stricter border control policies: refugees or the countries implementing them?

Kimball Tearle

When it comes to stricter border control policies, the beneficiaries are not limited to just one group. While the countries implementing such measures may see benefits in terms of security, economic stability and political power, refugees may also experience some positive outcomes in the long run.

Countries that implement stricter border control policies stand to gain several benefits. First and foremost, these policies help to improve national security by preventing illegal entry of individuals who may pose a risk to public safety. Stricter border control may also help to curb smuggling of drugs and other contraband items across borders.

In terms of economic benefits, stricter border control may lead to tighter control of labor supply, which can result in higher wages for local workers. By limiting the influx of immigrants into a country, the government could also help to reduce the burden on public resources such as healthcare, housing, and education. Moreover, fewer refugees may mean fewer asylum seekers to process, which can also save a significant amount of resources in the long run.

Politically, implementing stricter border policies can enhance the legitimacy and the credibility of governments. The perception that a government is in control of its borders can help it to maintain public trust and reinforce its mandate to govern. This is particularly true in countries that face backlash from anti-immigrant groups or political parties that demand stronger immigration policies.

As for refugees, a stricter border policy may not seem to benefit them in the short term, since it may restrict their movement across borders. However, in the long run, such policies may have positive effects for them. For instance, if the government ensures that refugees who cross the borders illegally are apprehended and screened, it could help to reduce the number of refugees who fall into the hands of human traffickers, thus sparing them unnecessary misery.

Additionally, a government that takes strong measures to curb illegal border entry may be motivated to create a more efficient and equitable system of managing regular migration. This could lead to increased opportunities for refugees to gain legal entry into the country and thus rebuild their lives more securely.

In conclusion, while implementation of stricter border policies may benefit governments in various ways, such policies may also have positive effects for refugees. It all depends on a comprehensive and well-designed approach to border security that takes into account the concerns of both refugees and the countries implementing them.