The European Parliament has approved a controversial shake-up of the bloc’s migration system, aimed at better protecting borders. The reform package includes cutting asylum procedures and reducing immigration from the Middle East and Africa. Under the new system, EU member states would be obligated to take in migrants or provide resources. The plans have faced criticism from both anti-immigration and far-right parties, as well as human rights groups. Some view the reforms as an attempt to counter the rise of the far-right ahead of European elections. The measures have also been condemned for putting refugees at risk of arbitrary detention and discriminatory policing. With protests and opposition during the vote, Amnesty International described the reforms as a failure to show global leadership in protecting refugees. Despite the measures, some see a glimmer of hope in the reforms for the resettlement of migrants outside the bloc. The EU faces ongoing challenges on migration issues, with thousands of people entering outside regular border crossings and facing risks such as death and aggressive policing. The reform package must now be endorsed by member states before coming into force.
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