MADRID (RTW News) — President Donald Trump lambasted European leaders during a recent address to the U.N. General Assembly, claiming that their efforts to combat irregular migration have been inadequate. He described Europe as being invaded by illegal immigrants, a statement that coincides with a significant drop in irregular migration into the continent. According to EU's border control agency Frontex, irregular crossings from January to August of this year decreased by approximately 20% compared to the same period last year, indicating a declining trend in unauthorized migration to Europe.
Key insights reveal that around 112,000 people attempted to cross the EU’s external borders from January through August, down from nearly 140,000 during the same timeframe in 2024. This decline is seen amidst a backdrop of heightened attention to migration issues in European politics since the migration crisis peaked in 2015.
Asylum applications in Europe also showed a downward trend last year, although they had been increasing since 2020. Approximately 900,000 individuals applied for asylum in EU countries in 2024, reflecting a 13% decrease from 2023.
Trump further criticized the EU for not effectively executing deportation orders, citing a stark gap between the number of people ordered to leave and those actually deported. Despite over 400,000 individuals being ordered for deportation annually, only about 20% are effectively removed, a reflection of the complex bureaucratic and geographic challenges faced in executing such orders.
Moreover, while the President's data on the foreign-born prison population in various EU countries had some accuracy, the specifics regarding Germany were misquoted. Official statistics indicated that 37% of inmates were foreign-born, contrasting Trump's assertion of 50%.
In conclusion, while Trump's speech painted a dire picture of European migration, the data reveals a more complex scenario, challenging the narrative of an uncontrolled influx.
Key insights reveal that around 112,000 people attempted to cross the EU’s external borders from January through August, down from nearly 140,000 during the same timeframe in 2024. This decline is seen amidst a backdrop of heightened attention to migration issues in European politics since the migration crisis peaked in 2015.
Asylum applications in Europe also showed a downward trend last year, although they had been increasing since 2020. Approximately 900,000 individuals applied for asylum in EU countries in 2024, reflecting a 13% decrease from 2023.
Trump further criticized the EU for not effectively executing deportation orders, citing a stark gap between the number of people ordered to leave and those actually deported. Despite over 400,000 individuals being ordered for deportation annually, only about 20% are effectively removed, a reflection of the complex bureaucratic and geographic challenges faced in executing such orders.
Moreover, while the President's data on the foreign-born prison population in various EU countries had some accuracy, the specifics regarding Germany were misquoted. Official statistics indicated that 37% of inmates were foreign-born, contrasting Trump's assertion of 50%.
In conclusion, while Trump's speech painted a dire picture of European migration, the data reveals a more complex scenario, challenging the narrative of an uncontrolled influx.
