Mr. Annan extols the benefits of transnational migration for both the country of origin and the receiving country. In receiving countries migrants perform essential tasks that residents are unwilling to undertake. Generally they pay more to the state in taxes than they take out in welfare and other benefits. "Nearly half the increase in the number of migrants aged 25 or over in industrialized countries was made up of highly skilled people" who have added talent and dexterity to our economy by strengthening the workforce. Migrants strengthen the economy of their country of origin as well. "Migrants sent remittances. which totaled around $232 billion last year. $167 billion of which went to developing countriesgreater in volume than current levels of official aid from all donor countries combined"-that are vital contributions to economy of the nation of origin. Migrants also encourage investment in their country of origin and are generally willing to supervise and direct these endeavors. leading to increased trade relations. Irregular or undocumented migrants are most vulnerable to smugglers. traffickers. and other forms of manipulation. If the host govemnment chooses to criminalize those who assist these people in the name of humanity. they will completely be at the mercy of such exploitations. Essentially. we are throwing them to the wolves with the proposed House passed immigration bill. While immigration is not without drawbacks. I condemn the inhumane policies proposed by the bill passed by the House. [From the Wall Street Journal. June 6. 2006]
Keywords matched
undocumented Migrants migrants immigration