However, cooperation by transit countries like Turkey and Mexico comes at a price — for migrants and for richer neighboring governments. Yet this perception gives transit countries greater leverage and forces Western governments to concede on other issues — from trade to territory. It also means Western governments are complicit in increasing authoritarianism and civil rights abuses in transit countries. Bargaining over immigration control works because transit countries can trample on migrants’ rights. Framing immigration as a “crisis” makes an open immigration policy appear radioactive, despite it being equally popular and more economically beneficial.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 28, 2021 18:22 UTC