Decriminalizing illegal immigrants

Regularizing illegal residents

Implementation

In 1996, it was reported the second 'Regularization Process' to take place in Portugal since 1992 was being prepared in order to granted amnesty to all 'illegal' people living there. The amnesty raises two serious concerns: the need for a regularization process implies that thousands of people have been living in Portugal illegally, for many years, without the same rights as other citizens; also that after this process the government will increase restrictive measures and mechanisms of exclusion similar to the rest of Western Europe.

In January 2000, Belgium opened a three-week amnesty period for application for residency by illegal foreigners. The applicant needed to fit into one of four categories: (1) have been an asylum-seeker for at least four years (three for families with children of school age); (2) unable to return to their country of origin for reasons beyond their control; (3) seriously ill; or (4) provide evidence of humanitarian reasons for staying and steady social links in the country.

Claim

Decriminalizing illegal immigrants is a crucial issue that demands urgent attention. Criminalizing individuals seeking a better life only perpetuates fear, division, and human suffering. These individuals contribute to our economy, culture, and communities, yet they live in constant fear of deportation. By decriminalizing their status, we acknowledge their humanity, promote social justice, and foster a more inclusive society. It’s time to prioritize compassion over punishment and recognize the invaluable contributions of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Counter-claim

Decriminalizing illegal immigrants is a distraction from pressing issues that truly affect our society. Instead of focusing on this non-problem, we should prioritize economic growth, education, and healthcare. The narrative around illegal immigration often overshadows the real challenges we face, such as poverty and crime. By diverting attention to this topic, we waste valuable resources and time that could be better spent addressing the needs of our citizens and strengthening our communities.