Dialogue | 05.07.2008 | 20:30
New EU Rules on Illegal Immigration
Children are likely to bear the brunt of new immigration restrictions.
The European Union recently adopted stricter rules on illegal immigrants, allowing detention for up to 18 months prior to expulsion. Drawing criticism from human rights groups, the measures could come into effect in 2010. The 27 member states of the EU will then have to choose between issuing residency or other permits to illegal immigrants or returning them to their countries of origin. Those denied residency have two options: "return" home or face "removal." An estimated half a million people enter the EU illegally each year. Many are caught, or their applications for residency are turned down. Then they end up in custody pending deportation before being sent back home. The process is especially traumatic for children.
(Report: Rob Turner)
