The Crisis Room One in, one out: is this really a solution to the migrant crisis?
2018 Channel Crossings Were Minimal
- When Amber Rudd was Home Secretary (2016-18), only 300 people crossed the Channel illegally by boat in 2018, compared to 20,000 this year.
- Illegal crossings then primarily involved concealed individuals in cars or lorries, detected using heat-seeking x-rays and assessments.
Immigration as Political Weapon
- The immigration debate is heavily politicized, used as a powerful political tool or weapon.
- Demonizing immigrants, like in the US with ICE raids, risks damaging social cohesion and community trust.
Inside the UK-France One In, One Out Migration Deal Explained
The UK and France are working on a controversial 'one in, one out' migration deal aimed at reducing illegal Channel crossings by sending back people who arrive illegally, while allowing a corresponding legal entry of refugees or family reunions.
Amber Rudd explains that reducing illegal migration would alleviate the political and social crises caused by visible crossings and the need to house individuals in hotels.
The deal hinges on a distinction between illegal migrants and legal arrivals, with the latter being less of a political nightmare since they integrate into families and communities rather than hotels.
The cooperation also includes more active French policing on beaches to disrupt crossings earlier, reflecting a recognition by both governments of the seriousness of organised crime gangs smuggling people.
This approach faces political pressures domestically in both countries, with leaders needing to show control over migration to counter far-right movements.