Tightened Migration Laws in the European Union

Written by Connor Foster | October 22, 2023

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In the wake of the conflict in Israel and Palestine, several European leaders have made public statements of support for Israel, including France’s President Macron and Germany’s Chancellor Scholz. Public support for Israel in these countries has led Europe to act on fear of potential terrorist attacks in their home countries. These fears have been exacerbated by two recent attacks in France and Belgium by suspected Islamic radicals. The attack in France was committed in a school and resulted in the death of one teacher and the injury of several others. The shooting in Belgium occurred at a football game and lead to the deaths of two Swedish nationals. It is important to note that neither of these attacks have been linked to Hamas. However, these attacks combined with general European support for Israel has triggered conversations among EU officials about tightening migration policies across the region. This has been an ongoing conversation within the EU for the past several years, however, a solid plan has not yet been agreed upon. France is now stating that they will be committing to tougher migration policies by speeding up the deportation of illegal immigrants who they claim to be radical.

In addition to intensifying migration policies, several European countries have also begun to crack down on pro-Palestinian protests. Germany and France have both banned any such protests claiming the need to prevent public disorder and antisemitism. These bans on freedom of expression have caused Palestinian supporters to fear for their livelihoods. Migrants now residing in these countries are worried that if they speak publicly in support of Palestine that their immigration status could be in jeopardy. The increasing fear in Europe is ultimately leading to wider public support for anti-immigration policies.