After decades of ignoring the menace of illegal migration by successive administrations in The Bahamas, the new immigration policy announced by the government came into effect on November 1, 2014. While the immigration policy could have been more comprehensive, it is a good start and a welcome development after years of burying our heads in the proverbial sand or, put another way, kicking the can down the road on this important topic. It is encouraging to see the government take the bull by the horn on the subject matter, which always invokes mixed emotions and reactions from the populace.
The new immigration policy comes on the heels of the procurement of vessels and equipment by the government to enhance surveillance and patrol of our borders by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. If this is an indication of the government's commitment to addressing the immigration fiasco, then we should expect positive results in this area in the months and years ahead. This article builds upon the "The immigration fiasco" series published in The Nassau Guardian in February 2012.
The urgency of the moment
It is often said that desperate times call for desperate measures. This popular saying applies to us at this juncture in our nation's history in the aftermath of the Great Recession and in the midst of the sluggish economic growth we are experiencing. The government is confronted with a high deficit and high debt-to-GDP ratio. In closing the fiscal gap and addressing our monetary woes, the government has developed a fiscal consolidation plan, which involves the curbing of government spending and the implementation of value-added tax next year. This is being implemented at a time when we have a high unemployment rate; particularly among the youth of The Bahamas.
The problems created by illegal migration in The Bahamas are far-reaching and put enormous drain on the public system including healthcare, education, national security and social services. The menace of poaching in our waters and the employment of illegal migrants in businesses in The Bahamas further complicates a sensitive issue. It is therefore incumbent upon a government that truly cares about its people to act prudently to ensure that The Bahamas is not seen as a nation that does not take this matter seriously. In relation to the new policy, it is simply unacceptable for persons who are in The Bahamas illegally to feel at ease without fear of being apprehended by the authorities. Illegal immigrants should not be comfortable breaking our immigration laws while not expecting to face the consequences.
Commentaries and reactions
There seems to be overwhelming support for the government's new policy on immigration after advance notice was given to the general population prior to implementation. It is also true that certain individuals and interest groups, albeit in the minority, have taken exception to the enforcement of the new policy and the laws of our country. While many have applauded the government and minister responsible for immigration for this bold move, others have condemned the same. It is important for the government to continue with its effort, as we can only achieve the desired results if we are consistent in our approach and unwavering in our commitment to address this vexing issue.
In the midst of this discussion, which is expected to continue in the coming months, the government must remain resolute, being cognizant that it is virtually impossible to please everyone by decisions being made. Additionally, policymakers should be open to suggestions and ideas that can enhance the existing policy. The litmus test for any government in choosing whether to proceed with any initiative is and should be national interest assessment. Decisions ought to be born out of love for the country and should be aimed at benefiting the entire populace.
The contradictions in our debate
Over the years, Bahamians have demanded action from the government in dealing with illegal migration to our country. The feedback from the Bahamian people as expressed privately and through diverse forms of media has been consistent insofar as the need to place more emphasis on turning the tide on illegal immigration in The Bahamas. However, in spite of this rhetoric, several Bahamians have been equally guilty of accommodating illegal migrants either for personal or economic gain by employment.
The mantra adopted by some Bahamians in this discourse seems to have been, "Do as I say but not as I do". In other words, it is fine for the government to implement and enforce appropriate immigration rules as long as they are not impacted. This double standard and paradox has been apparent in the reactions and criticisms of the recent clampdown on persons residing in The Bahamas illegally. It is high time we began to put our country above ourselves and take a stand for that which is right for the sake of generations yet unborn. The Bible puts it best: "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways". It will be interesting to see in the coming weeks how many Bahamians will be found aiding and abetting illegal migration.
Concerns and questions that linger
Despite the ample notice given by the government prior to the effective date of the policy, the reality is that a number of Bahamians will still not be in possession of a valid passport; especially Bahamians who do not travel or who do not intend to travel out of the country in the near future. Will a voter's card be deemed acceptable in lieu of a valid passport? This seems like the only other alternative, as a national insurance card is not widely accepted as a national form of identification and does not confirm that a person has the right to be in The Bahamas legally. It is expected that our law enforcement officials would have been properly briefed on acceptable protocols and permissible identification documents. This discussion also raises the controversial topic on the implementation of a national identity card and the civil liberty concerns that arise as a result.
On our part, as law-abiding Bahamian citizens and legal residents, how tolerant and understanding are we prepared to be during this process? Will the government still have our support when we or our relatives and associates are questioned by immigration officials and asked to provide the requisite form of identification? It is inevitable that some of us Bahamians will find ourselves in the middle of this exercise as law enforcement officers will not be able to tell at all times whether an individual is a Bahamian or legal resident. The implementation of this new policy will no doubt test our patience and the amount of sacrifice we are prepared to make for the common good of our country.
Keeping the objective in sight
Nevertheless, in the midst of this exercise, we must not lose sight of the ultimate objective of the new immigration policy which is simply to enforce our laws, guard our sovereignty and ensure the sustenance of our nation for years to come. This policy which the government has indicated will be enforced in a humane manner, must not be construed as what it is not. The world is a global village and with globalization comes the movement of people. Migration is a global phenomenon which is inevitable and essential for development of any country. Hence, we as a people do not oppose or deny the important role of foreigners who have come here legally to help us build and develop our nation. Rather we seek to uphold and enforce our laws to sustain our way of life and maintain our standing among the community of nations as a country that is serious about law and order.
The recent and anticipated crackdown on illegal migration should also not be interpreted as an exercise aimed specifically at one nationality albeit the statistics may show that, historically, there have been more illegal migrants from one country than the others. It is our expectation nevertheless that our law enforcement officers will continue to approach their jobs with the utmost professionalism and treat all foreigners and migrants in our midst with the dignity and respect they deserve. None of this debate and enforcement exercise should create the perception that we deem ourselves superior to persons of other nationalities.
Regardless of nationality or origin, we are all God's children and must not forget to be our brother's keeper, even as we work together to rid our country of the scourge of illegal migration. The level of the public debate must also be elevated and all forms of malicious, racist or hateful statements aimed at foreigners should be condemned vigorously by us all. This is only right in keeping with the preamble to our constitution which inter alia reads: "And whereas the people of this family of islands recognizing that the preservation of their freedom will be guaranteed by a national commitment to self-discipline, industry, loyalty, unity and an abiding respect for Christian values and the rule of law..." The underlined words say it all.
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.
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