The regimes in America and Britain are pursuing a contentious foreign policy aimed at political survival by cracking down on immigration while deflecting scrutiny from domestic issues. These countries are outsourcing their immigration problems to specific leaders, such as Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Kenya’s William Ruto, effectively bribing them to handle the influx of asylum seekers and immigrants.
The destabilization of Libya, along with the prolonged conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, has resulted in a continuous flow of immigrants into Europe through clandestine routes. Many of these immigrants prefer Britain, viewing it as a “soft touch” due to the perceived generosity of its immigration assistance programs. However, Britain, being a relatively small island, is experiencing significant strain on its resources and infrastructure, leading to heightened anti-immigrant sentiments among the public.
To mitigate voter backlash, the Conservative government in Britain has struck a deal with Kagame. Under this agreement, Britain will send thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda in exchange for financial compensation. This move is designed to alleviate the pressure on Britain’s immigration system while shifting the burden to Rwanda.
A similar scenario is unfolding in the Americas. Experts and politicians assert that Haiti poses one of the greatest threats to the USA in terms of immigration and security. Migration has become a major concern for American citizens, especially as the 2024 presidential election approaches. In the previous year alone, 70,000 Haitians entered the US, exacerbating the immigration issue.
To address this, politicians are taking drastic measures. The Governor of Florida has announced a crackdown on immigrants from Haiti, aiming to prevent a potential mass exodus. An expert told Fox News, “The greatest threat facing the US regarding Haiti is further instability in the country, which could endanger the lives of millions of Haitians and risk a mass migration. A failed state controlled by criminals, drug traffickers, mass murderers, and gangs so close to US soil is not in the foreign policy interests of the US.”
While the US is partly responsible for the current turmoil in Haiti, the Biden Administration has opted to bribe Ruto to manage the situation. This approach, however, is fraught with risks. Such underhanded deals may seem like a viable solution in the short term, but they come with significant long-term consequences. For instance, the impact on Rwanda as Britain starts offloading immigrants there could be profound. Similarly, any serious attack on the Kenyan police contingent in Haiti could incite strong anti-Kenya Kwanza sentiments.
In conclusion, the foreign policies of America and Britain, characterized by outsourcing immigration problems and engaging in questionable deals with foreign leaders, may temporarily alleviate domestic pressures. However, these strategies are likely to backfire, resulting in adverse consequences for the countries involved. As these nations continue to grapple with the challenges of immigration, it is imperative to consider more sustainable and ethical solutions that do not shift the burden to other countries.