US official describes influx of refugees into Europe and US as ‘ticking time
Speaking risks on illegal migration, a US official described influx of refugees into Europe and US as ‘ticking time bomb’.
- KOHIMA — The US Mission in Vietnam and India hosted a
discussion earlier this week to gain a better understanding of the economics
and public policies behind enhanced US border security measures, changes in the
country's immigration policy, and the risks of illegal migration.
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- Michael Hough, an Immigration expert and government
advisor and director of Federal Relations for Numbers, USA, led the discussion
themed ‘Smart Choices, Safe Futures: Understanding the Risks and Realities of
Illegal Migration’. Participants from Vietnam, India and the US joint the event
conducted virtually on Wednesday.
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- Hough pointed out that the illegal immigration issue
does not confine to the United States alone but is something that is surfacing
especially in Europe. A lot of it has to do with the issue of ‘liberal
immigration’ laws, ‘open asylum walls’ and the generous benefits that these
“westernised democracies” provides, he added.
Screenshot of Michael Hough taken during the
discussion.
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- Citing instances of refugees from the Middle East, Latin
America and elsewhere, who have started entering the Europe and the United
States in large numbers, Hough described it as a “ticking time bomb”. He
clarified that the purpose of America's immigration system is not an attempt to
fix world poverty but to bring people into the country that would better
it.
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- The country seeks to be selective about who comes,
he said, adding that it prefers people that can contribute to the nation’s
growth rather than become a burden.
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- He also noted the legal way of entering into the
country and abiding by the laws of the country. Further, he warned of
overstaying on a visa, as that would harm and eliminate their chances to come
back to the United States in the future.
