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1 [1] (September 4, 2015)

handle is hein.crs/crsmthaafpe0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Europe's Migration and Refugee Crisis September 4, 2015 (IF 10259) Kristin Archick (ckarchick(acrs lbc g, 7-2668) Rhoda Margesson (rmargessona cr ac , 7-0425) Mixed Migration to Europe Europe is experiencing what many consider to be its worst migration and refugee crisis since World War II, as people flee conflict and poverty in neighboring regions. Many are from the Middle East and Africa; others come from Ukraine, as well as Kosovo and elsewhere in the Western Balkans. Experts have characterized the influxes as mixed migration, defined as flows of different groups of people-such as economic migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, trafficked persons, and unaccompanied children-who travel the same routes and use the same modes of transportation (see text box). Sometimes termed irregular migrants, these individuals do not have the required documentation, such as passports and visas, and may use smugglers and unauthorized border crossings. Mixed migration flows may include groups such as: Economic migrants, who are largely trying to escape poverty and seek a better life. They do this legally or illegally, for the long term or temporarily. In theory, they would receive the protection of their government should they return home. Refugees, who have fled their country of origin because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social or political group. Refugees are unwilling or unable to avail themselves of the protection of their home government due to fears of persecution. Once granted refugee status, a person has certain legal rights and protections under international law. Asylum-seekers, who flee their home country and seek sanctuary in another state where they apply for asylum, i.e., the right to be recognized as a refugee. They may receive legal protection and assistance while their formal status is determined. Stateless persons, who are not considered to be citizens of any state under national laws. There are numerous mixed migration routes into Europe, both over land and by sea. As seen in-Figure 1, several routes cross the western, central, and eastern Mediterranean Sea. Greece and Italy (including Sicily and Lampedusa) are major points of arrival and transit. Land routes into Europe include those via Turkey and the Balkans, and along borders in the east with Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, and Russia. Many migrants and refugees are eager to reach European countries that belong to the Schengen area of free movement, which allows individuals to travel without passport checks among 26 participating states. Some hope to travel onward to northern European countries, such as Germany and Sweden, where they believe they are more likely to receive asylum and better welfare benefits. Others travel to northern France with the goal of crossing the English Channel to reach the United Kingdom, an attractive destination for those with English language skills. Figure 1. Main Mediterranean Sea Migration Routes

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