EU countries and the European Parliament have agreed on a controversial new migration law aimed at expediting the return of migrants without legal status in Europe. This marks a significant shift in the EU’s migration policy, influenced by a conservative push for stricter immigration controls. Currently, only 29% of these migrants leave the EU.
Key aspects of the legislation include the establishment of deportation centers, or “return hubs,” in non-EU countries, and provisions enabling member states to search the residences of undocumented migrants. Critics, including NGOs, argue that this could lead to abuses reminiscent of U.S. immigration enforcement and expand governmental powers.
Other changes involve extending detention periods from six months to two years and tightening entry bans from five to ten years, with possible lifetime bans for security risks. The law also alters the appeals process, removing automatic suspensions of deportation during legal challenges.
Opponents have condemned the legislation for threatening the rights of migrants, calling it a product of xenophobic ideologies. The law awaits formal approval from the European Parliament and EU member states, with potential implementation as soon as next month.
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