European countries have once again accused Africa for failing to combat illegal migration. In a conference on migration from Africa to the European Union (EU), the EU has proposed a 40 million Euros (Ksh.3.6bn) fund to help Africa stem the tide.

Opponents of immigration claim that immigrants damage society economically, politically and culturally. But contrary to popular opinion, immigrants bestow important economic benefit upon natives which include a reduced burden of social security taxes, increased productivity, an entrepreneurial shot in business and cultural diversity.

A free and prosperous society has no fear of anyone entering it. But a welfare state is scared to death of every poor person who tries to get in and every rich person who tries to get out.

European governments must accept high levels of cross border migration. As the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi puts it, “Resisting migration is like rowing against the stream. The current population of the world are migrants.” African countries should be wary of being bribed to lock up their citizens.

This issue examines factors that lock up Africans in prisons of poverty.