The Migration Machine.

Abstract

Anyone travelling to Europe these days comes across not only barriers but also an increasing amount of technology. Bona fide travellers are offered high-tech initiatives (such as iris scans) in the hope that the desire for safety can still be combined with freedom of movement for all citizens. As a result, the borders of Europe are changing into an ‘e-Border’. Behind the scenes, various government services are drawing up risk profiles for all kinds of aliens. If migrants risk crossing the Mediterranean to Europe illegally, there are boats, helicopters, aeroplanes and satellites on the lookout for them. In harbours and at country borders ship containers and lorry cargo space are searched using heat sensors and carbon dioxide detectors to check for the presence of human beings. Globalization is taking place but is not making travel any easier. The EU has removed its internal borders but has fortified its outer boundaries.