Balancing borders and humanity

In a recent message to US bishops, Pope Francis criticised harsh immigration policies, warning that approaches rooted in force rather than compassion “will end badly.” He urged the faithful to resist narratives that criminalise migrants, reinforcing the Church’s commitment to defending human dignity regardless of legal status.

This stance highlights the fundamental dilemma faced by sovereign nations: balancing the enforcement of immigration laws and border security with ethical obligations toward undocumented migrants.

Governments worldwide have implemented various measures to curb undocumented migration, each with distinct social and economic ramifications.

The UK government has intensified efforts to combat illegal immigration, conducting over 5,000 raids and making nearly 4,000 arrests since July 2024. Approximately 19,000 migrants have been deported in this period.

These actions aim to address public concerns over immigration and counter the rise of the anti-immigrant Reform UK party. However, critics argue that such measures drive undocumented migrants further underground, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and hindering their access to essential services.

In France, authorities have employed stringent tactics to deter migrants from settling in regions like Calais. Practices such as property destruction, restricted access to necessities, and harassment have been reported.

While these measures prevent the establishment of large migrant camps, they have been criticised for exacerbating human suffering and violating fundamental rights.

Poland’s government has approved a stringent migration strategy, including the potential suspension of asylum applications. This approach prioritises national security and border integrity.

However, business leaders warn that restrictive policies may lead to labour shortages, as foreign workers constitute a significant portion of the workforce in sectors like construction and transportation.

The tension between economic needs and strict immigration controls illustrates the multifaceted challenges nations face in addressing undocumented migration.

Cities with high numbers of undocumented migrants, such as London and Paris, experience increased demand for healthcare, education, and social services. Because undocumented migrants often do not pay taxes at the same rate as legal residents, public infrastructure faces financial strain.

In Paris, the dismantling of migrant camps has led to rising homelessness and crime in certain areas, increasing tensions between local communities and migrants. Anti-immigration protests and far-right political movements have gained traction in response to the social impact of undocumented migration.

In some cases, undocumented migrants turn to informal or illegal economies, leading to an increase in human trafficking, exploitation, and underground labour markets.

In London, concerns have been raised about illegal work operations that bypass labour laws and safety regulations.

Sovereign nations must balance security with compassion. Strict border enforcement policies, while addressing security concerns, can lead to unintended economic consequences and human rights concerns. Conversely, lenient policies may encourage more undocumented migration, exacerbating social tensions and straining public resources.

Given the economic and social impacts, what should nations do to craft effective immigration policies? Implementing streamlined visa processes for economic migrants can reduce undocumented migration while meeting labour shortages is one approach.

Deportations should be handled with due process, ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity. Alternative solutions, such as voluntary repatriation programmes and temporary residency for those contributing to the economy can be considered.

Governments must look beyond short-term solutions and engage in global cooperation to tackle the root causes of migration—poverty, conflict, and instability.

A united approach, guided by both justice and mercy, can create policies that secure borders while ensuring that those in desperate need are treated with compassion and respect.

Only through mutual effort and shared responsibility can nations forge a path that balances security with the fundamental values of humanity.