Written by Ejime Udueme
Profiling of immigrants refers to the process of collecting and analyzing data on immigrants to identify patterns, characteristics, and behaviors.
This can include gathering information on Demographic characteristics such as Age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, language, and education level.
Profiling immigrants can be complex and sensitive issue.
The move ultimately helps to address population growth and crime concerns.
The merits of profiling include Improved Border Control,Biometric data collection and intelligent surveillance systems at the border which will assist identify and track individuals with criminal records or suspicious activities.
Also, targeted screening of immigrants from high-risk countries or with suspicious travel histories can help identify potential security threats.
Again, data-Driven Insights on immigrant population such as demographic information, employment status, and education levels, can lead to identification of trends and patterns related to crime.
This move will lead to Collaboration with International Partners such as Interpol which will provide access to global crime databases and facilitate the sharing of intelligence on transnational crime.
However, it is essential to emphasize that profiling immigrants must be done in a way that respects Human Rights,Avoid Discrimination,It must be Evidence-Based,Transparent and Accountable,Travel history of immigrants such as Countries visited, length of stay, and purpose of travel.
Moreso,profiling helps to unearth Criminal history which involves past convictions or pending charges as well as Biometric data in relation to Fingerprints, facial recognition, and other unique identifiers.
The goals of immigrant profiling includes National security,Border control,Immigration enforcement,Public health and Social services.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria received a total of 720,958 passport applications in 2017, which represents a significant decrease from the 3,684,288 applications received in 2016.
To address the issue of illegal immigrants, the Nigeria Immigration Service should urgently adopt strict Border Control Measures such as regular Border Patrols, Establishment of Border Control Posts, Implement Biometric Data Collection,Intelligence Gathering and Sharing.
There is also urgent need to float Intelligence-Led Operations, Collaboration with International Partners, Establishment of a National Immigration Data Base, Legislative and Policy Framework in addition to the Review and Amendment of Immigration Laws.
Porous borders is a breeding ground for Organized crimes.
In Nigeria, inadequate policing of borders has exposed the nation to significant threat to national security, economic stability, and public safety.
Some common organized crimes through borders in Nigeria include Human Trafficking like Forced Labor, Sex Trafficking, Smuggling of Goods like Contraband,Counterfeit Goods, Drug Trafficking like Narcotics, Cannabis, Arms Trafficking such as Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Consequences of unmanned borders are heightened Insecurity,Economic Losses, Social Problems.
Terrorists groups have infiltrated into Nigeria and caused mayhem due to porous borders.
To combat organized crime through borders in Nigeria, the government should declare a state of emergency in Strengthening of Border Security,Improve Intelligence Gathering,Combat Corruption,Enhance Regional Cooperation, Support Community-Based Initiatives.
Nigeria has experienced large internal and external migration flaws in the last decades.
International migrants in Nigeria stands at one point one million.
Regular and accurate data of immigrants will lead to total reduction of challenges associated with immigration.
Ejime Udueme…..
