The center-left groups in the European Parliament reject the option of detaining asylum-seeking families.
With this, the European Parliament has agreed to plans to tighten the return policy for immigrants. The proposals aim to make expulsions more effective but also lead to significant political division.
The plans are part of a broader effort to increase the number of expulsions and make them more enforceable. Supporters say this is necessary to gain control over migration and to actually implement existing rules.
Promotion
Controversial
At the same time, the proposals are politically controversial. Opinions within the European Parliament and among EU countries vary greatly regarding the approach. While some countries and groups push for stricter measures, others question their effectiveness and feasibility.
Support mainly comes from center-right and (far-)right parties. In contrast, center-left and left-wing groups oppose the direction of the policy and its possible consequences.
Critics warn that the plans may pose risks to the fundamental rights of migrants. They point to concerns about access to procedures, legal protection, and the way decisions are made.
Human rights organizations also express their worries. According to them, there is a risk that migrants will end up in situations with insufficient legal safeguards, where their rights are not always guaranteed.
Entry Ban
An important part of the proposals is the possibility to transfer migrants to so-called return centers outside the European Union. These would accommodate people whose asylum applications have been rejected, pending further return procedures.
Those who refuse to cooperate with relocation to such centers may face severe sanctions according to the plans. This may include detention and a ban on entry within the European Union.
With the vote, the European Parliament has brought the proposal one step closer to actual implementation. The next phase involves negotiations with EU countries to work out a final legal text.