Global Movement: refugees and immigration

Assefaw Bariagaber - Seton-Hall University

Migrants, States, and the Challenge of International Human Trafficking in the Horn of Africa

Migration of Africans, especially from the Horn of Africa to Western Europe, continues to attract international attention because of the extraordinary danger such migrants face in their transit to Libya and onto the European seacoast. Many succumb due to hunger and thirst, and the brutal treatment of profit-driven human traffickers. Yet, Horn of Africa migrants keep on trying their luck despite the enormous hurdles to reach the European seacoast. This study aims to answer the following related questions: why do African migrants leave their countries when opportunities in Europe have shrunk to unprecedented levels? What factors account for the resilience of human traffickers in the face of enhanced EU member country measures to control human trafficking? I argue that (i) modern means of communication migrants as well as traffickers use have sufficiently minimized the chances of being apprehended by state authorities; and (ii) the trafficker financial payoff is worth taking the risk of being apprehended. These factors have made it difficult to stem the tide of migration from the Horn of Africa.

Enes Groene - Georgia College and State University

The Journey of Middle Eastern Refugees in the German School System

In my paper I would like to look at the refugee situation in Europe. In particular, the focus will be on my home country Germany, because Germany was one of the first countries to open its doors to refugees and this has far-reaching consequences for the country. Since then, many things have changed in Germany, but also in many other European countries. Society is partially or completely divided in its opinion on refugees. New policies have been enacted to control migration and to have it better under control? In addition, a right-wing party, the AfD = Alternative for Germany, has been very strong since the refugee crisis. These politicians have a very bad attitude. What influence do they have on migration policies? Why do they have such an aversion? Do these policies pose a major problem for refugees, or do they even suffer from them? Is there a connection between these two factors? I have already found an interesting study that deals with somatic disorders in Syrian refugees. In addition to this I’d like to put a special focus on woman and how they deal with their situation. But I would also like to illuminate the other side. What exactly moves people to flee from Africa and the Middle East, and in some cases to make a life-threatening journey across the Mediterranean? The reasons are somewhat obvious, but it is also interesting to explore the history of the countries and to find the time at which the population has decided for themselves to leave their own country, which is a big and difficult step. Another aspect that interests me is why exactly the refugees choose Germany. Again and again, we see on television that refugees are not yet at the end of their journey after arriving on the European mainland and interpret Germany as their final destination. What exactly do they expect from their arrival in Germany? Why don't they want to go to other countries? Are there already prejudices against other countries before the refugees even start their journey? At the end, I would also like to address the question of whether it is economically viable for Germany and other European countries to accept refugees and tolerate them with asylum. Finally, I would like to give an outlook on an area which is particularly important to me and which deals with refugee children in German schools. I have already gained an insight through numerous lectures at my home university into how the school system is currently being modified somewhat in order to integrate students with German as a second language as well as possible. What challenges do teachers face? How do you ensure an equivalent education for German students without slowing down the learning load?

Nicole Lamp - Georgia College and State University

There are no answers, only more questions: Insight on the Struggle Unaccompanied Minors Face When Entering the United States

The freedoms one seeks by coming to the United States is quickly diminished after the rigid processes of becoming a member of society. Based on personal stories and research, I will discuss the process of getting into the United States as an unaccompanied minor and the different ways the United States government battles to get many of these children out of the country and back to their home countries. I will also discuss the impact “The War on Drugs” has had when considering these minors.

Lillian Sirmans - Georgia College and State University

the Afghanistan Crisis and U.S. immigration

My presentation will be centered around the Afghanistan Crisis and the Immigration to America because of it. In my paper, I will discuss how the crisis began as well as the violence and tragedy that were undergone because of it. I will also highlight how the United States specifically can prepare to welcome many Afghanistan immigrants in the coming months. My goal for this paper is to educate people on the crisis as well as motivate people to action.