UN Refugee Chief Advocates for U.S. Migrant Model in Europe

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, has urged European nations to adopt the United States' model of "Safe Mobility Offices," which are being established globally under President Joe Biden's administration. These offices, spearheaded by Alejandro Mayorkas, aim to provide essential humanitarian support and asylum information to migrants in South America and Africa, facilitating connections with missing relatives and offering a structured approach to migration. Grandi emphasizes that for this initiative to succeed, countries must enhance opportunities for refugees, including resettlement options, work visas, scholarships, and family reunification. He warns that unchecked mass migration can be exploited by elites to create divisions and exacerbate poverty among ordinary citizens, a trend already evident in nations like the UK, Canada, and France. He argues that a fixation on border control will not deter those in desperate situations, advocating instead for alternatives that empower migrants. Since 2021, Mayorkas has reportedly facilitated the entry of approximately 10 million migrants into the U.S., aiming to provide a safe and orderly migration process. He highlights the need to address humanitarian and security concerns by cutting out smugglers and offering legitimate pathways for those seeking refuge. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, argue that Biden's policies are detrimental to American workers, flooding the labor market with low-wage migrants and undermining job opportunities for citizens. This ongoing debate reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration and economic policy in the U.S. and beyond.