Thousands of migrants are being locked out of EU nations as block parties toughen their laws on border controls, part of which involve building high razor fences. The European migrant crisis is becoming more severe by the day. The huge influx of refugees coupled with the unwillingness by some EU member states to allow refugees into their countries has complicated Europe’s worst humanitarian crisis since the Cold War.
Hungary sealed its borders on Tuesday with a three meter high barbed fence, locking out thousands of migrants looking to enter Europe. The ex-communist’s right wing government hailed Tuesday’s measures a “new era” effectively closing the entrance to the EU.
Chaotic scenes mired the better part of the day at a crossing in Roszke, Hungary as authorities opened a tiny office to process refugee’s documents. Close to two dozen migrants squeezed themselves into the small office as thousands more waited outside. Another group of refugees blocked the main highway between Serbia and Hungary, refusing to allow food and supplies until they were let into Hungary.
Buoyed by the increasing number of migrants stranded at their border, Hungary’s government declared a state of emergency in two south east borders, a move that allows it to deploy its military to fend off migrants.
The announcement of a state of emergency came hot on the heels of tougher laws enacted to prevent asylum seekers from crossing into the EU state. The laws strictly prohibit any attempts at breaching the barbed fence along its border with Serbia while authorizing police to search homes believed to be shielding migrants.
Hungary is not the only EU country exercising the right to reject incoming migrants. On Sunday, Germany restored border controls along its orders to facilitate the checking of migrants coming into the country. The move resulted in a domino effect with Germany’s neighbors also imposing checks along their borders for the first time in decades.
EU countries had been operating under the Schengen agreement that allowed for a border free Europe in line with EU’s integration agenda. The policy was one of the fundamental tenets of integration, along with the adoption of a common currency, the Euro. Through the policy, 26 European nations issued common visas along with leaving their inter borders open and unmanned. The migrant crisis now offers the biggest test for one of the EU’s integration successes.
Hungary’s foreign ministry revealed plans to build a similar barbed fence along its border with Romania while Croatia stationed more than 6,000 police along its borders. The Schengen system is well on its way to becoming old news.
Europe’s migrant crisis has tested the continent’s mettle and tolerance to accommodate those without the same opportunities as themselves. Through closing their borders, the continent is choosing to disregard its duty towards other human beings , possibly condemning thousands to starvation, homelessness and even death.
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