The European Union intensified its crackdown on migration this week, with the European Commission proposing to speed up deportations and establish controversial migrant return centers outside the bloc's borders.
While some governments are pushing for tougher measures, critics warn that the plan could lead to human rights violations and legal battles.
The issue of returning rejected asylum seekers has been the subject of heated debate within the EU for years.
Public discontent with migration has fueled the electoral gains of the far-right in several EU countries, increasing pressure on governments to toughen their stances.
Led by the governments of Sweden, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands, EU leaders in October called for urgent new legislation to increase and accelerate returns and asked the Commission to evaluate "innovative approaches" to combat irregular migration.
On Tuesday, the Commission responded by putting forward its plans for stricter deportation rules and tighter controls. These plans will now be reviewed and possibly amended by EU capitals and the European Parliament before being passed into law.
According to the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, only about 20% of people ordered to leave actually return to their countries of origin.
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