Debates regarding immigration and security laws are gaining momentum in Europe as some countries face the dilemma of the increasing influx of refugees and illegal aliens. In fact, some nations along with international organizations have already sought for
tighter security rules, control over foreign workers as well as refugees. With the militarization of its borders, Europe then hopes to resolve such problem and control any potential social unrest and humanitarian crisis.
Particularly, Spain along with some European nations has endeavored to reinforce its maritime patrol in order to address to the increasing number of illegal immigrants in Canary Islands. Since the start of 2006, around 7,500 West Africans are reported to have landed on the territory. These people brave the sea with the hope of finding asylum and better opportunities in the Spanish territory.
A week ago, Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega declared that all boats within 1,200 km from Senegal would not only be escorted by Spanish patrol vessels, but they would also be subject under surveillance by spy satellites and planes. Her announcement was later backed by
Canary Island's parliament, which previously asked for security reinforcement in order to control what it called as an avalanche of illegal immigrants from West Africa.
