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The dilemma for the European Union (EU) is that it needs workers - a need that has spurred a wave of illegal immigration. For too long the EU has turned a blind eye to it and uttered warnings without backing them up. But now the realisation has dawned that it cannot continue to absorb illegal immigrants. Stricter border controls must be introduced.
The latest estimates indicate that about eight million illegal immigrants are currently in Europe. To put that into perspective the population of one of its member states, Ireland, is about four million.
Proposals to be unveiled during the current French presidency of the EU will make it tougher for illegal immigrants, especially from North Africa and South America, to enter and stay in the bloc. This has drawn allegations of xenophobia. While it is true that Europe cannot isolate itself and turn into a fortress, it is also true that its borders have not performed their task.
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