Reform our immigration laws: Transit of persons across our borders is a threat
BY: Phillips Anyang Ng’ong, RSS JAN. 19/2012, SSN; An immigration policy is any policy of a state that deals with the transit of persons across its borders, but especially those that intend to work, do business and to remain in the country. Immigration policies can range from allowing no migration at all to allowing most types of migration, such as free immigration. Often, racial or religious bias is tied to immigration policy (for example, a country might only allow commonwealth citizens admission). Ethnic relations policy within a country can usually be broadly categorized as either "assimilationist" or 'multiculturalists'. In our barren new state, immigration laws and policy do not go beyond charging foreigners for entry visas, and border customs. And in reality it will be a point if we give it mention and take the stakes through a quick view of what immigration policies and law covers. Although immigration policies nowadays often closely related to other policies such as tax, tariff and trade rules that determine what goods immigrants may bring with them, what services they may perform while temporarily in the country, etc., and who is allowed to remain, a good example is the European Union that has few immigration restrictions within it if any. Any citizen or resident of any of the signatory nations (with the possible exception of a few new member states) may move and seek work anywhere within the E.U. and there is nothing that member states can do to stop it without leaving the E.U. or renegotiating the treaty. South Sudan might be heading to its sixth month since its attainment of Independence, the more reason why we need to put much emphasis on improving our Immigration investment policy that permits wealthy immigrants to invest in businesses in exchange for favourable treatment, early issuance of passports and permanent resident status. With the rise of terrorism worldwide and especially the thumps of al-shabaab, another major concern is the national security of nations that let people cross borders. The belief is that terrorists can come from overseas. These concerns often lead to intrusive security searches and tighter visa requirements, which can discourage immigration, temporary visitors, and even movement within countries or birth within countries. There is often pressure on nations to loosen immigration policy or inspections to enable toutismand relocation of businesses to a country, from a destabilized region. Immigration reform could be one of the biggest issues facing the new republic as every foreign individual sees being in South Sudan as a tickle to a better life. Our country has been a prey for years, and the time is right to reach consensus, and develop structures to stop such thinking. Illegal immigration is an issue we can't ignore, turning a blind eye is not working, and it's not fair. If legislators from both Houses take up immigration reforms at the top level, it must be a comprehensive package. Lawmakers have to look at all sides of the problem: border security, employers hiring undocumented workers, methods of identifying illegal immigrants, immigrants who stay past their welcome date and those who come here without going through the proper channels. We're not saying we have all the answers, and we're definitely not saying illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay without paying stiff penalties and following our rules. We're simply saying that if immigration reform is coming, then we must do it right. It will be worth the effort. The impact of illegal immigration on our country is far from clear, it’s estimated that about a million people reside in South Sudan illegally, but an accurate count obviously is difficult. Those on different ends of the political spectrum can crunch the numbers to bolster their argument. But illegal immigration shouldn't be a partisan issue. We're dealing with humans who, for the most part, love the idea of this country and came here to make money. Lawmakers must keep that, and the strained financial health of our baby nation. (The author is a lawyer working with Southern Sudan Associated Advocates (SSAA) and can be reached on [email protected]) COMMENTS, PLEASE CLICK HERE Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author(s) and do not represent those of the website. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
