Fearing Trump deportation, Haitians head to Canada using an irregular crossing near the Champlain-St. Bernard de Lacolle border in hopes of finding residency in Canada. August, 2017. TNS/SIPA/Press Association.All rights reserved.As the fourth of six rounds of negotiations begins, there is a stark lack of consensus among states regarding the fundamental meaning of the Global Compact for Migration. In its current version, the text of this unprecedented agreement would prioritize returning people to their countries of origin as the main response to irregular migration.
Today, it is estimated that between 15% and 20% of migrants in the world have an irregular status – and this figure is probably far below reality. These statistics refer overwhelmingly to people who have entered the country with a regular status (as tourists, students, workers, etc.) and lost that status later. Only a minority cross the border in clandestine conditions. This situation increases the vulnerability of migrants, segregation, xenophobia and violence.
How to respond to this reality in countries of destination is one of the most controversial issues in the Global Compact negotiations. It is a challenge for the countries of the Global North, but also for those of the South, where much global migration is concentrated.
