Undesirable migration is a problem for the United States and for the world. It is such a problem that Belgium sponsored an information campaign to prevent Congolese migrants from going to Belgium. The information campaign used by Belgium sought to clarify the realities of the irregular migration process.

Irregular migration, defined as a foreign national entering, moving to, or traveling through a specific country without the proper paperwork, has been a concern and a central issue in Europe since the end of the Cold War. Chief among the concerns of irregular migration is human. However, migration in general (regular or irregular) is difficult to stop because it is so closely tied to the economies and democratic values of many European countries and that of the United States.

Though people entering countries irregularly is a concern today, irregular migration has always been present. In fact, countries have more control over borders today than they did in years past. One way countries control borders is through information campaigns that reach potential migrants before they even leave their home country.

These information campaigns help migrants make well informed decisions about migration. Major areas of emphasis in the information campaigns are the risks and dangers associated with irregular migration. The drawbacks, such as coercion, exploitation, and association with organized crime, are underscored so the potential migrant can know what they are getting into.

Information campaigns exist in multi-media. Television, print, and word of mouth are all ways to convey the message about irregular migration. Information disseminated through print media takes the form of flyers, articles, and billboards. The message that is often disseminated is that men can easily become wrapped up in organized crime and women can become targets of sexual exploitation.

The association of irregular migration and human trafficking with organized crime is another reason why it is important to control irregular migration. Countries that allow irregular migrants to enter their countries implicitly support the illicit economies that facilitate the movement of those migrants. Thus, the more permissive countries are to irregular migrants the more organized crime will have a presence in that country.

Closely tied to organized crime is terrorism. Covert means of moving people into and out of countries is something that terrorists can benefit from. Terrorists can utilize human trafficking networks to move their own members to locations targeted by their organization. From this perspective, human trafficking poses a risk of supporting terrorism.

Human trafficking is a major security threat to the United States in the 21st Century. The threat to security has local and global implications. Accordingly, those in homeland security and global security are going to require more education and better skills to keep pace with the varied threats that exist. The education can be comprised of studies in intelligence, or other subjects relevant to homeland security or global security. A degree program emphasizing studies in intelligence can provide people with 21st Century skills that ensure homeland security and global security. Students are best served by completing their studies in intelligence at an online university recognized for strategic security programs.

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, homeland security, global security, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, homeland security, global security, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Author Bio: Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, homeland security, global security, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Category: Education
Keywords: homeland security, global security