Rights of Immigrants

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Aaron Baker
School: Roeper School

Due to the current security situation, in which Afghanistan is making significant progress in dealing with, there is not a large influx of immigration to Afghanistan. But for similar reasons as well as economic reasons, Afghanistan has a very high rate of emigration. In 2008 Afghanistan had one of the highest emigration rates in the world, for every 1,000 people 21 chose to immigrate to other nations. In fact, Afghans make up some of the largest immigrant groups in countries such as the UK, Turkey, Germany, Greece, the Persian Gulf, Canada and Pakistan. Afghan wishes to ensure that the treatment of these immigrants, and immigrants deriving from all over the world is humane, and abides by international law; no matter the status of these immigrants.

Afghanistan believes the standards set for people in the U.N. declaration of human rights should apply to all people in every nation whether they are immigrants or not. Afghanistan concurs with the U.N initiatives on international immigration, in that high level dialogue focused on international migration is needed. Afghanistan also agrees with W.H.O. Agenda Item 11.9, believing that there is a need for the amelioration of healthcare for immigrants.

Afghanistan believes nations should not utilize restrictive immigration policy, and have a reasonable approach to the flux of migration. Afghanistan also believes that forced repatriations of immigrants and refugees should be avoided. Afghanistan requests that all nations with refugees from Afghanistan or other nations do not force refugees to repatriate. Nations that choose not to force these refugees to return would be aiding the Afghani government deal with the Taliban. Having a huge influx of repatriating refugees has the potential to distract and overwhelm the Afghani government, which would impede the ability of the Afghan government to successfully develop its security forces and fight terrorism. And defeating the Taliban and developing Afghanistan's security forces would be beneficial to the international community. In addition, Afghanistan sees many refugees voluntarily deciding to repatriate due to the progress of the Afghan government in several aspects such as security, health, the economy and etc. So at a gradual, stable rate many Afghani refugees will repatriate voluntarily, attenuating the need for forced repatriation. Afghanistan believes that this committee must converse and attempt to resolve the issues that challenge the rights of immigrants at present times, as well as work towards promoting the welfare of immigrants, no matter their status.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Jake Minor
School: Mattawan High School

Every country in the world is in some way impacted by immigration. No continent including South America can escape the increasing movement of people from one country to another. Argentina understands the benefits of immigration and believes the world should go to great lengths to end the mistreatment of immigrants.

The most important priority is to encourage countries to not displace immigrants once they are in a country. For the goal of human rights, the stability of the immigrant must be obtained. Furthermore, a country should not deny any person including immigrants basic human rights which include access to an education. Immigrants should be given a voice in their new governments so representation of all a nation's people can be achieved. No distinction should be made between a citizen and an immigrant when it comes to human rights. There should be less of an emphasis placed on the prevention of movement of people from country to country. It will happen even if countries try to stop it. Involved countries' resources would be better put to the task of implementing a path to citizenship and a fair and balanced human rights effort.

The committee should accept the fact that immigration works better when it is accepted by the country receiving the immigrants. The committee should understand the fact that a person's human rights can not be violated even if the person is an immigrant and not a citizen of the country. Economic and social integration of immigrants should be considered on the the topic of a path towards citizenship.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Azerbaijan
Delegate Name: William Davids
School: Royal Oak High School

In this modern world, the flow of people between international borders is increasing. The immigration of people into countries to find new homes requires a certain responsibility from both the state in which they choose to reside and the individual. It is the duty of the state to ensure that all human rights are ensured to immigrants in accordance to international law, including articles in the UDHR such as article 13 which states “everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.” It is also the duty of the state to provide access to lawful immigrants who have met all standards set by the nation. It is the duty of the immigrant to follow all procedures set forth by the nation they wish to enter. Illegal immigrants are subject to punishment by the state in the form of deportation or other means.

The flow of migrant workers can lead to economic prosperity within not only a nation, but a region. It is in the best interest of the international community to protect immigrant workers and maintain their basic human rights. Azerbaijan encourages member nations ensure that national legislation is in accordance with international standards of political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights. It is the duty of this committee to make sure that nations are following through on protecting immigrants human rights as well as improve the standards set forth by the international community in preserving these basic rights.

Immigration also poses certain security risks, which is why it is vital to not only have international cooperation, but also regional cooperation as to ensure that safe, legal immigration is accessible to those in neighboring countries. Ensuring the safety of immigrants, but also the state is top priority. Countries should maintain the right to bar entry if they foresee potential security risks to either the state or their people. As a committee, however, we must affirm that entry into a nation cannot be denied based solely on the immigrants religion, ethnicity, or cultural background. We must also realize that illegal and legal immigrants have the same human rights, but they have different legal rights in the country which they reside. We as a committee must distinguish between these two sets of rights in order to protect legal immigrants as well as ensure that illegal immigrants are handled responsibly and safely.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Lily Huver
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

According to new Bangladeshi policies clearly state that any foreigner entering the country is required to have a valid passport and visa. Also, no nationals of Israel are permitted to enter the country of Bangladesh. Certain countries are only permitted to enter the country for up to 90 days ( Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Bhutan, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Montserrat, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Uruguay, Vatican City and Zambia) and will be fined for each day of an overstay. If the person is native to Bangladesh, they do not need a visa, so long they get their passport officially stamped with the following statement: “no visa required for travel to Bangladesh”.

It is in the the policies of Bangladesh that not any long-term resident may obtain citizenship. Those who are not citizens may be denied of certain privileges and/or rights an actual citizen has. However non-citizens may apply for citizenship, but must comply with certain requirements such as being competent in the Bengali language and must surrender their citizenship to their former country. If they are denied, they may appeal within 30 days of the rejection.

Policies regarding citizens mainly concern those not born in the country. Natural citizens include those that were born in Bangladesh, so long at least one parent was a natural citizen. If they were not born in the country, they are considered citizens if at least one of the parents is a natural citizen. Workers on a work visa may stay in the country for one year before they have to re-apply for a work visa if they are not citizens. On a world scale, Bangladesh feels that each nation has the right to their their own policies in on immigration, as long as said policies do not violate the basic rights of the immigrants. On a world scale, Bangladesh believes the basic rights of immigrants include a chance to apply for citizenship, so long that said immigrant is not from an enemy country of the country the immigrant is immigrating to.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Barbados
Delegate Name: Michael Sienko
School: Williamston High School

Whether it be seasonal changes, political corruption, food shortages, new opportunities, or war; people have traveled from one environment to another. Movement is the nature of our people and the world should accept this tendency. As time passes, new problems arise. The rights of immigrants are a popular topic for discussion. As transportation improves, political instability increases, and resources become scarce, the amount of immigrants to certain parts of the world increase. Immigrants expect to be treated fairly and respectfully upon arrival.

Barbados is a firm believer that immigrants shall prove to have value to this thriving country. The great nation of Barbados believes that it is morally wrong to not grant immigrants the status of citizenship. However, we believe that there needs to be a certain requirements needed for immigrants to sustain in order to become citizens of our country. While in the country and not citizens, we believe that they should not have the all of the rights that citizens obtain. The right to vote shall be given to those that are citizens only. Our country believes that all immigrants should be treated equally and with respect no matter the age, race, gender or religion. If members of the United Nations believe that they should classify immigrants, then that is an act of prejudice.

Barbados believes that it is vital for the United Nations to come together as a whole to fight this pressing problem. As our work continues, the world continues to become a growing and tolerant planet. Barbados would like to work with countries who support rights for immigrants.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Bolivia
Delegate Name: Henry Brown
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Europe and the United States have seen a great increase in immigrants since the end of the Second World War, and these immigrants should have the same rights and chances as a citizen of whatever country in which they wish to reside. Unlike the immigrants from Europe, who have been an extremely destructive force in the Americas, the people immigrating into Europe want nothing but to be a contributing part of European society. Bolivia believes that all people should be allowed to pursue a better life wherever they feel they have the greatest chance of thriving. The United States continues to persecute Latin American immigrants and other people who wish to bring themselves and their families a better life by moving to what many call “the land of opportunity”. Bolivia implores the United States to give its Latin American brothers the respect and the rights that it would give a full blooded United States citizen, as they both only want to contribute to the strength of the U.S and live a prosperous and peaceful life.

Every nation on Earth must begin to recognize the men and women immigrating into their country not as parasites, tearing away at the fibers of a country foreign to them, but as companions in an attempt for betterment of themselves and their country. Bolivia believes that of all of the innumerable problems in this world, immigration is not something to worry about. If people are allowed to become citizens of whichever nation they believe is best for themselves and their families, more steps can be taken to solve the true problems in this world. Europe and the United States must put an end to the deportation and dehumanization of the people attempting to bring themselves happiness and freedom. Bolivia believes that the United Nations should focus its energy more on what will bring the people of the world more prosperity, rather than on what individual countries see fit for immigrants.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Emma Woodruff
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

With all of the trouble in the world, Brazil understands that immigration is sometimes a necessity. Brazil understands that people have to leave countries for their own safety. In times of war especially, Brazil is open to helping out refugees and giving them a safe and comfortable country to live in. However, Brazil does not believe that everyone should have the right to emigrate to their place of choosing. There is a worldwide shortage of jobs, and additional immigrants coming into countries and taking such jobs away from locals should not happen. Skilled professional immigrants should also have the chance to emigrate as long as they properly apply for a working visa and respect laws. With a struggling economy, Brazil has to make sure that immigrants aren't taking over our workforce and that current citizen's jobs have as much stability as possible.

Brazil feels that it is acceptable for nations to deny certain rights to immigrants. By letting them into our country, we are doing the immigrants a huge favor. Brazil feels that immigrants should know what they're getting themselves into, though. They should be aware of the laws in the country in which they are emigrating to and should know what will be expected of them when they enter such country. Before immigrants have the opportunity to achieve citizenship, Brazil feels like they need to prove themselves as worthy citizens. Learning the local language and proving themselves good people are two things that Brazil feels should be looked at closely before countries allow immigrants to become citizens. Brazil feels that states should look closely at immigrants based on who they are. There should not be a single definition for an immigrant as immigrants come from such a variety of different circumstances. The rights of immigrants should be looked at by a case by case basis.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Cameroon
Delegate Name: Daniel Roy
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Immigrant rights are an important issue in today’s global community. Seeing as immigrants provide valuable contributions to the global community, it’s especially important that their rights be improved and protected. Cameroon hopes that the member nations will strongly consider taking action to improve immigrant rights.

Cameroon has a vested interest in the rights of immigrants around the world, because Cameroon attracts a lot of immigrants from other African nations due to our relative political stability and good economy as compared to other African nations. These immigrants comprise large portions of our workforce and contribute to our economy, so it is of utmost importance that their rights are improved and protected. Far too often immigrants are forced to live as second class citizens; being paid a fraction of the wages citizens make, being abused by people in positions of power, and being discriminated against in everyday life. Citizens often do not have to deal with any of this.

For these reasons, Cameroon proposes that fellow UN member nations adopt laws allowing immigrants in their country to apply for citizenship after spending one year as a resident of the country. We believe that the most effective way to fix the gulf in rights between immigrants and citizens would be to make it easier for immigrants to acquire citizenship, thereby eliminating the unjust treatment they may have received in the past. In addition to this, Cameroon also supports the overall improvement of immigrants’ rights, including more heavily enforced anti-discrimination laws and putting measures in place to stop police abuse of immigrants for good.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Brian Funk
School: Fishers High School

Concerning the rights of immigrants, Canada believes in giving immigrants opportunity to become citizens of states, as well as giving them equal rights that match those of normal citizens.

Our country has had great success in creating a diverse culture through allowing simple criteria to become a citizen of Canada. By creating four classes of ways to acquire citizenship, many people can become a resident so long they either have family members in Canada, show economic promise, or are a refugee (as determined by a council). Our government does not believe in harshly restricting movement of individuals through immigration laws. Canada also has high immigration rates because of our standards that give all peoples the same rights, whether they moved into the country or were born there. We believe that equality needs to be maintained between all citizens and that immigrants should not be restricted in ways that other residents are not. This idea further extends into our belief that settlers must not be classified by sex, working abilities, whether they are students, refugees, etc. Once anyone becomes a citizen and enters our borders, there are no differences made between individuals and their rights, as we believe it is a natural right that all people who live in a certain country to be treated equally. This generally allows for peace between residents and the government.

We propose that an agreement be made between all member states that sets a standard for the rights of those who move into a new country, as well as the rights of immigrants within countries. Canada strongly believes that the contents of this document be modeled after our own immigrant policies, which favor the rights of the people. Naturally, special case measures should be taken to prevent some of the few problems that we have had with the policy. This includes many instances of soldiers from the United States entering Canada’s borders in order to avoid deployment. On this issue, we believe that a soldier is considered a refugee and has right to remain in a country to avoid going war. Events like this need to be clarified within the text of the proposed policy, as to avoid gray areas and keep problems from arising on this issue. Canada does understand that all members already have existing laws concerning immigrant rights within their respective borders, and that many of them are strict, especially regarding their entrance into the country. However, it is our hope that our procedures are used as an example to show how successful immigration can be while also taking into the account of the rights of the people. Should the proposed settlement be created, it need not be adopted to replace standing country policy, but rather be a guideline for disputes over immigration between members.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Central African Republic
Delegate Name: Ryan Hulbert
School: Mattawan High School

Immigrants are people who move from one country to another. They all have different reasons: to get a better job, to be closer to family, to escape persecution, etc. Some people wish to limit immigration, believing that they belong in their own country. But really only the government should be able to decide.

If large bodies of of country’s people continually move around from place to place, then that country loses people they could incorporate into the workforce, thus limiting the country’s growth. This is especially true on the continent of Africa, which often has a lot of immigrants leaving countries to go to others and internationally displaced persons, also called refugees (people who leave their home but stay in the country).This could be a reason why much of Africa, the Central African Republic included, are developing countries.

Having said that, the Central African Republic believes that there should be laws for immigration in all the countries of the world. People who border-hop that committed a felony and are caught in the other country should be returned to the original country to be properly punished. However, if an immigrant is found in the country for a good reason, say to support his or her family, then that immigrant should be able to stay and job-hunt- if, of course, the second country’s government believes that he or she can stay. The individual country's government, be it local or national, should be the one to decide whether or not immigrants can stay

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: China
Delegate Name: Keenan Smith
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

Ever since there have been humans, there have been migrants. People, by nature, wish to move about and see the world around them. But within our globalized world, migration has become an issue. While it is important that we, as a committee, try to ensure the right of people to migrate to and from wherever they wish, the People’s Republic of China finds that doing so must be done through the legal means set up by both the nation of departure and the nation of destination. Through such legal processes, we become able to root out those who states may find dangerous or harmful to the integrity of their government.

A nation has the right to say who is guilty of a crime and who is not, correct? Then a nation should have the right to say that certain people are guilty of being fit or unfit to either enter or leave said nation. This is very similar to the idea of people being criminals; I have all the same rights as you, but when I infringe on your rights, I lose mine. In terms of migration, governments come across people who may be considered dangerous to that government’s ability to govern. Therefore, in the protection of their right to govern, a government must be able to allow or bar certain people’s entry or exit from their nation. These decisions must be left up to the state’s government to make, and should only occur if an individual is deemed to pose a threat to that government by that government. Many resolutions which have been passed on this issue are supported by the People’s Republic of China (i.e. Commission on Human Rights resolution 1999/44), including Security Council Resolution 1373 and its aims towards immigration law.

This committee must take time in its addressing of this issue, due to the wide range of policies that member-states have on immigration. For the People’s Republic of China to be in support of a resolution, there must be a concrete agreement that every nation has the right to allow or refuse persons who are deemed unfit to live in their nation, in the name of national sovereignty. Our committee must also realize that immigration through any means other than what is prescribed by the government is illegal, and those who do so are subject to the legal systems of the country which they have entered illegally. But people who have gone through the proper legal means of entering a nation should be allowed to reside within their nation of destination with the same rights as people born there.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Christian Koch
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Between the 1960’s and 1990’s, Colombia faced an infamous armed conflict between the government and FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) that changed the course of our country forever. Years after this conflict, the effect of this conflict has made a direct impact on the balance of emigration and immigration. The emigration out of Colombia is now one of the largest in South America. After our armed conflict, our Colombian citizens fled

the country to the United States, Spain, and neighboring countries.

Every country has laws that regulate both immigrants and nationals. Colombia is no different. There are many laws in Colombia that cover how visas are handled and which establish restrictions for public safety. To come to Colombia, you must obtain a valid visa. All immigrants must enter the country through a legal port of entry. If someone should break this law, they could face charges such as fines or imprisonment. There are also many restrictions for immigrants traveling with sickness and diseases. If you are an immigrant and wish to leave the country, you must first pay a deporting tax and pay and fees on your visa before leaving Colombia. Although some regulations for immigrants may seem strict, they are necessary to benefit our country and its people while providing visitors with a pleasant stay in Colombia.

According to the 2005 Colombian census, about 3,331,107 Colombian citizens currently reside outside of Colombia. Other studies show this number could exceed 4 million or 10% of the country’s population. Approximately 1.2 Colombians left the country between the years 2000 and 2005 and have not returned since. The direct cause of their absence is the threat of violence related to drugs, human trafficking, and high levels of poverty and tension in Colombian society. Over the past decade the number of unauthorized Colombians in the United States has tripled from 51,000 to 141,000.

We believe that countries such as the United States, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Brazil will agree that Colombians are leaving their home country in problematic numbers–considering many of our people now refugees in those countries. Immigration law is a significant issue for all countries. Whether your country faces unsupportable immigration or draining emigration, it has many negative effects. Illegal immigration causes many problems such as taking away jobs from citizens, increase in population and resulting strain on housing and public services, and wage suppression. All of these issues have led to calls for immigration reform in many nations and a need for international solutions to resolve our current immigration dilemmas

Immigration is creating big problems in our country and is making it difficult to address other social problems such as health care, poverty, drug enforcement and the overall economic prosperity of Colombia. We know for a fact that Colombia is not the only country that is facing major issues regarding immigration, which is why we feel it is important to discuss this topic in the UN. Colombia stresses the importance of these immigration issues to protect its people and ensure a stable society. We must find a way to reverse our immigration ratio and enforce regulations on immigration for all countries around the world. If we do not do something about immigration soon, the problem will worsen and continue to affect not only Colombia, but also the entire world.

-Christian Gerard Koch,

Representative of Colombia’s, Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Congo
Delegate Name: Stefan Wanczyk
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

It would seem at first that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not a top choice for immigration, further suggested by the statistic that 0.9% of its population are immigrants and its 59th place rank in immigrant population of UN countries. However due to conflicts in the surrounding regions many displaced refugees have headed into Congo. In addition to those seeking asylum, Congo is home to many migrant workers brought to the country by its numerous mining operations.

It is the position of the Congo that the state should have the freedom to impose any restrictions needed on immigration in order to protect its citizens. It is equally important to be able to provide the opportunity for immigrants to enter the country and gain citizenship legally. It is also the position of Congo that providing aid to asylum seekers and allowing people to legally emigrate is an important right for all people. As well as accepting immigrants into a country it is the responsibility of the state to treat these individuals equally; the state should not differentiate between citizens and permanent residents in order to determine their treatment. Despite this, it is fully within the country’s rights to protect its citizens in a case such as limited work opportunities; if a country were to have a largely unemployed workforce, imposing restrictions on migrant workers would be necessary. This is accomplished based on the demand for foreign workers as opposed to discriminating against an immigrant population of a country, which is an important distinction to make.

Inevitably it will become necessary to differentiate between different classes of immigrants in order to keep track of the population and the prevalence of certain groups within that population in order to provide adequate public service to those groups. This could also mean a quick approval of asylum seekers from a nearby conflict that has been government mandated to quickly assist those people. Determining priority status for certain groups could be used to aid those with circumstances that require a more time sensitive approach than say someone applying for a work visa. For a system like this to work it is also important to assign enough resources to managing the demand for immigration without discriminating against certain groups of immigrants. It is the Democratic republic of Congo’s hope that the UN steps up to ensure that the rights of immigrants and regulations that allow immigration are implemented in all member states.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Costa Rica
Delegate Name: Claire Fishman
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Costa Rica affirms that the ability to immigrate is an essential human right, one that is justly enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is essential that the international community act to protect this right, for the good of all. We personally understand the importance of this issue, as one in ten residents of Costa Rica is an immigrant.

It must be clear, however, that it is the right of governments to regulate immigration as it pertains to their own country. Indeed, it is actually in the best interest of both nations and individuals to establish guidelines on the particulars of exercising this right. Unregulated immigration can place an undue strain on a country's resources and thus can negatively impact not only the country as a whole, but individual immigrants as well. This absolute right of countries, then, must be upheld and respected by the international community.

One aspect of a government's right to regulate immigration is the right to set different standards for the immigration of different groups of people. This is simply something that is sensible in many cases, as different people have different needs, abilities, and resources. For example, Costa Rica has different rules for those who wish to immigrate and are already retired from the workforce.

One group that should always be welcomed, however, is refugees. Those who are forced to find a new home due to unfortunate circumstance deserve to do so with as little impediment as possible. Costa Rica supports the definitions and procedures outlined by such precedents as the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (CRSR), the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, the Cartagena Declaration, and the American Convention on Human Rights. We ourselves recognize the importance of providing a home for refugees, as there are currently approximately ten thousand Columbian asylum-seekers residing in Costa Rica.

Work must also be done to protect the rights of immigrants while they are traveling between countries. The international community must come together to work against human smuggling and trafficking. These are grievous violations of human rights, and must not be ignored. Costa Rica recently passed a law increasing the penalties for these activities, and created a fund to continue working against them. As the Minister of Tourism, Carlos Benavides, has said, Costa Rica is willing to share its experience in this area with other members of the international community.

Countries must also support immigrants once they are within their borders. Namely, countries must support the integration of immigrants into society, something we have made the cornerstone of our immigration law. One international organization that supports countries in their efforts to integrate immigrants is the IOM (International Organization for Migration). We are proud to host the IOM office for our region.

However not only countries, but also immigrants, have responsibilities. Immigrants must follow the laws of the country in which they reside. Countries must be able to deport immigrants who do not comply with the law. This includes all parts of the law, including immigration law. Countries must be supported in their power to prevent and otherwise address irregular immigration. Doing so is essential to a country's fundamental responsibility to serve the best interests of its people.

Of course, not only the right to enter a country, but also the right to leave a country must be addressed. The two rights are simply two halves of a whole; one cannot exist without the other, and Costa Rica supports both rights just as strongly. Just like the right to enter a country can be regulated, the right to leave a country may be restricted as well, when appropriate. There are times when this is necessary to protect residents, such as how it is illegal to take minors out of Costa Rica without proper documentation, in order to prevent international child abductions. Another example of a right countries have in this area is that they can collect exit taxes, as long as they are not designed to make it unnecessarily prohibitive for people to leave the country. The right to exit a country is thus also subject to sensible limits.

When it comes to immigration, the international community needs to ensure that states are able to effectively respond to the needs of their residents. However, it must not be forgotten that immigrants are still humans, with concrete rights and real dignity. Their voices cannot and should not be ignored.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Croatia
Delegate Name: Merrick Perpich
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

In the today’s modern world, the migrations of persons from one country to another are increasingly more frequent for a variety of reason. Every nation approach’s this issue in their own way, and so we must distinguish our selves from those who are open to immigration and those who may employ more restrictive policies pertaining to immigrants

The republic of Croatia’s immigration policy is largely shaped by the fact that Croatia is a country that has one of the largest Diasporas in the world. Since the large emigration of the Croatian people after World War II took place, after the Croatian government established independence in 1991 it shaped a migration policy that is supposed to stimulate the emigrants to return to Croatia.

Due to the hope that the people that once emigrated out of Croatia will immigrate back in, Croatia classifies them selves as a “pro-immigration” country. The Croatian constitution has many provisions that would apply to immigrants; Article 32 states that persons lawfully within the territory of the Republic of Croatia shall enjoy the liberty of movement and freedom to choose their own residence. This same provision allows citizens the right to leave Croatia at any time, and the right to return when they please. This provision only applies to those who are actual Croatian citizens. According to article 10 of the Croatian constitution, however, the right to leave and enter the country as they please can be restricted during situations where it is necessary for the protection of the legal order, health, rights and freedoms of others. Article 33 states that migrants lawfully within the territory of Croatia shall only be extradited to another state in pursuance of a decision made in accordance with a treaty and law. This same article also guarantees stateless persons and foreign citizens the right to obtain asylum in the Republic of Croatia. This right does not extend to those who have been prosecuted for nonpolitical crimes, or activities inconsistent with the basic principles of international law. It should also be stated that the Republic of Croatia aligns with the European Union on this issue, and since harmonizing with them has seen significant improvement in regulating migration, asylum and similar issues.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Natalie Shabahang
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

In the rapidly globalizing world of today, migration is becoming a fundamentally important aspect of a nation’s policies. Among the issues to agree upon are the rights of people to migrate in an out of a nation at their own will, the distinction between citizens and noncitizens, and whether or not there should be a distinction between immigrants based on circumstance. The critical questions remain of paramount importance due to their scope, depth, and their relevance to the global economy. In the past, the Czech Republic has maintained organized policies designed to encourage legal migration (rather than migration by illegal means) both into and out of the country. Among the key policies of the Czech Government’s Migration Policy Principles (laid down in Resolution of the Government of the Czech Republic No. 55 of 13 January 2003) is the Programme for Support in Combating Illegal Migration created by the Ministry of the Interior. According to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, “Its basic goal is to ensure efficient cooperation among persons who were the subject of an action to facilitate illegal immigration… while simultaneously ensuring the necessary care of the persons concerned and possibly even for their family members currently staying in the territory of the Czech Republic, with a fundamental emphasis on their personal safety.” Thus, the Czech Republic has made conscious efforts to encourage safe and legal migration. This goal is the cornerstone of the Czech Republic’s position on the questions placed before the assembly today.

Regarding the issue of immigrant rights, the Czech Republic holds that nations should not have to bar entry or exit from any nation entirely except in a case of international crisis. Restrictions “placed on the free movement of peoples” could potentially inhibit necessary demographic change and thus, by extension, stifle the free flow of people toward opportunity. No human should be denied the right to opportunity, economic or otherwise. Perhaps, to prevent a potentially tyrannical restriction on citizens to exit a nation, fewer restrictions should be placed on the rights of a citizen to leave a country than those to enter one.

Though mild restrictions on immigration are acceptable for a country to have, perhaps to avoid crises such as overpopulation, the scope of such restrictions should remain minimal. Citizens may have more rights to enter or exit a nation, and benefits in their home nation, but noncitizens should by no means be extremely discriminated against. Governments should have certain obligations to their resident immigrant populations, and these should be decided upon by this assembly. Finally, different circumstances require a difference in treatment for immigrants. For example, there should be different policies for immigrants who are migrating to a country for work or career purposes.

These positions would be implemented especially successfully in Europe, but they can work for many nations. To help achieve these goals, the United Nations could come to a consensus concerning the circumstances when a nation should be able to regulate immigration to the point of prohibiting entry or exit. Solitary, independent nations may be more opposed to the idea of fewer restrictions on immigration, but the Czech Republic is confident that a compromise can be achieved.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Claire Atkinson
School: Fishers High School

Denmark strongly supports the rights of immigrants, especially any wavering on a line of acceptance and disputes, within the rights of a human being. We would like to draw the attention to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (sourced from the United Nations Department of Public Information), more specifically to certain passages that we believe should be reinforced into the minds of Social, Cultural and Humanitarian Committee delegates while on this topic:

Article 1

*All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.*

Article 14, part 1

*Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.*

Article 15

*Everyone has the right to a nationality.*

*No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.*

Article 29 part 2

*In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.*

Although Denmark indeed currently possesses controversy over immigrants and their impact on our culture and similarly inherited way of living, we would like to emphasize again that we support rights of immigrants; trivial discussion on the development of the present history will not change the fact that every immigrant is entitled to their rights and those rights should be protected, not diminished or abused.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Dominican Republic
Delegate Name: Alex Grainger
School: Mattawan High School

The world is fast moving. Technological, scientific, economic, social, and other categories are making advances to become better and more efficient. People of the world have to keep up with the latest trends and change. Furthermore, people have to migrate in order to keep do so. Immigration has developed into a huge topic that needs to be addressed. This is such a big problem because population change effects other citizens of the giving and receiving nations. These problems can be economic, political, and more. Developing nations and powerhouse nations have different views as to who can be admitted into their country and legal processes are under review as to what is right.

People will live wherever they can support themselves and their families. Countries with big economies that have many jobs may have more incoming immigrants. The Dominican Republic, however, has many jobs due to its agricultural abilities. Throughout the years, immigrants from neighboring coastal countries and even as far as Asian countries have traveled in order to work in the sugarcane fields. Recently, the main nation immigrating to the Dominican Republic has been its neighbor, Haiti. Haiti is one of the fastest growing populations and is incredibly poor. Haitians migrate over the border to work usually unskilled jobs such as construction, cleaning, etc. The Dominican Republic's citizens have battled competition for these jobs. The Dominican Republic realizes that everyone in some way is a migrant. Migrants are welcome, however, applying common international legal standards is needed to help create a level playing field for migrants, employers and States.

This committee must take time to understand every view of the problem. There are many policies to choose from. The Dominican Republic wants immigrants to continue to do what is needed to be done in order to complete their lives, as long as there are legal requirements fulfilled. If those are regulations are not fulfilled, then that migrant is not welcome to this country.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: William-Howard Howard-Jackson
School: Fishers High School

The country of Egypt believes that Immigration throughout the world is a widely ranged topic whether it is the ethics or policies that certain countries have when it comes to restrictions that may or may not allow entry into the foreign country. Every country has the right to protect themselves from threats towards their country yet only to a degree. We need to prioritize what the UN can do and one would be the safety of our country and citizens. There have been accounts in Egypt where people who were thought to be terrorists were tortured and sometimes from false accusations. For this reason we must work to give immigrants’ rights that allow them to remain detained and untouched for up to 3 days or until proper evidence is given proving their innocence. Currently all the UN can do is making sure that entry is allowed to ALL citizens of Egypt. But hopefully the UN can work to keep the peoples entering Egypt safe still by monitoring who is entering and exiting. Perhaps the UN can strive to help provide better and tighter security.

Another issue we are faced with is the drug trafficking problems throughout our country. These drugs often pass through customs undetected and through borders without being checked. In order to reduce this, the UN can improve the border patrol and provide more thorough security checks, possibly by helping provide able guards or sending funds to pay the funds needed to hire better security. Peoples entering and leaving the area should only be allowed enter and exit along with transportation of appropriate items. Human trafficking as well is another focal point. Not enough is being done to insure people are who they say they are and are where they are supposed to be. This can be prevented by having better connections with other parts of the world for central intelligence.

If the person traveling between borders is a citizen or not, it still should not matter, their rights should be the same of whatever country they are in that is for the natives as well. Mainly because of the constant tourism in Egypt, equal rights are very important with the exemption of those who are accurately accused and shown to be threats to the country.

As previously stated, rights of immigrants should be the same. The UN should help and try to better inform immigrants and citizens of their human rights when it comes to entering and exiting countries. That goes for all the different groups of immigrants as well. No discrimination because a person is a child, adult, refugee, or unemployed should matter. Though the better interests of Egypt would be to allow people that are better accepted socially and economically, some exceptions should still be made.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: France
Delegate Name: Susan Rusinowski
School: Royal Oak High School

We have seen that, in the past, when a country does not have proper immigration laws or regulations, it has threatened their political stability. We have seen illegal Israeli and Palestinian occupation in each others’ regions lead to violence, and other instances where regulations have not been in place and ultimately, it has harmed the unity and security of governments and their populace.

Countries hold the right to regulate migratory flows in and out of their nation, to facilitate immigrants’ integration to promote national identity, honor the tradition of welcoming political asylum when individuals are being persecuted, and promote solidarity and co-development throughout the general public. It is the jurisdiction of a country to determine whether or not to extend certain rights to illegal immigrants. For example, when illegal immigrants are unaccountable or not paying taxes, it is logistically impossible for a country to extend full citizenship-rights to them. Human rights, including basic necessities will not be denied to anyone of course, but states have the authority to protect their sovereignty.

That being said, France perceives national identity as a zero-sum game. France is a melting pot—immigrants, natives, and all citizens join together to unite through French culture and identity. Amalgamation strengthens national identity, and France is proud of its peoples’ strong sense of identity. The European Union has been incredibly supportive of the Right of Asylum, and France has become the leading host country for asylum seekers, defined by the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. This process needs to be preserved to protect those being persecuted, and France recognizes the plight of immigrants in these conditions and situations, and the international community should do the same.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: William Bartz
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Human migration is shaping our world more and more, year after year. Europe in particular has become a hub for immigration, with a huge amount of immigrants still pouring in despite economic crises. The German Government recognizes the positive aspects of immigration and how it can benefit all nations, but realizes that there must also be a set of restrictions when it comes to the migration of peoples.

Proper immigration laws should be in place, whether they be on a national, or international level (the presence of one or the other is essential). Attempting to gain residence in another country must be both an accessible pathway, as well as a checked one. Criminals and human rights violators need to be caught on standardized screening, as well as not given political asylum (provided they are guilty of the crimes they are accused of). Political asylum, however, may/must be used at liberty when a nation’s policy is to deny someone their human rights based on their political, cultural, or religious beliefs. Proper international asylum law must be created in order to deem the difference between international criminals and persecuted citizens. Furthermore, immigrants in a country without a proper residence permit (ex. a visa) are incorrectly there, however, this does not grant a country permission to deny the persons in doubt their human rights. Rights to health care and education must be observed in an illegal residence situation.

While some countries will be resistant to the asylum programs given without their permission, it can be said that many of the countries are afraid that human rights violations will be revealed through these harbored peoples. While it can be said that a nation will not grant asylum to criminals in exchange for reports of human rights violations, it can be said that human rights violations will be uncovered whether or not immigrants reveal them to us or not.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Gus Hlavacek
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The Nation of Guatamala believes that people that have immigrated into our great country should be treated well since they are people and they have chosen to move to our wonderful country. There are an estimated 1.5 million Guatemalans in the US today (and 13 million in Guatemala) of whom an estimated 60% are undocumented. • Approximately 40,000 Guatemalans migrate to the US each year; 25-30,000 are deported annually. One plane full of Guatemalan deportees flies each day from the US.

Since there are many immigrants from our country in the United States, we believe that it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t treat immigrants in our country with utmost respect and if we mistreated immigrants in our country, it would be almost hypocritical. Our great country tries to help immigrants in our country and supporting them as much as possible in their new country of Guatemala.

Although our great country supports immigrants, we also give our own citizens more support. If someone has been living in our country for their whole life, we will try to help them more than someone who had moved to our country a few years ago. Our great country of Guatemala believes that we should treat the people that were originally of our culture with better perks such as healthcare and many other things.

Though we try to help immigrants into our country, we don't have much money, and we believe that our own people and culture should be prioritized with the money of our government.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Haiti
Delegate Name: Kendra Thomas
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Immigrants generally leave their country in search of a better, more prosperous life. Some immigrants are seeking more money, better opportunities, or more freedoms, while others are simply looking for safety and well being that they cannot find in their home country. When this is the case immigrants should be welcomed into a new country. But because of strict immigration laws, some countries are not doing all that is necessary for those less fortunate than themselves. When creating immigration laws it is important to have the well being and human rights of the people in mind. It is the responsibility of well developed countries to help those less fortunate by welcoming them peacefully into their country, even if it is for a short time while waiting for the situation to stabilize back home.

After the devastating earthquake in January of 2010 there was an increase of people leaving Haiti. Everything had been destroyed and the country was in no position to help repair itself. The global community helped with various donations and aid programs but not nearly enough was done. Devastation overtook Haiti and the people were left without any other option but to immigrate to other countries. The majority of people left and went to either the Dominican Republic or the United States. Those in the United States were quickly deported despite President Obama’s promises to help the immigrants from Haiti. When deported the people are usually sent back to Haitian prisons where there is very little food, clean water, or medicine. They are also leaving behind young children who depend on them in the United States. These are both clearly violations of human rights. Those who immigrate to the Dominican Republic face slightly better prospects. Although recently laws were put in place though that would make it impossible for Haitian children to attend school in the Dominican Republic unless considered a citizen there. In the past the laws about education were more relaxed Haitian children were allowed to continue their education and go on to join the work force. Quite recently Latin America, and most significantly Brazil, has been working alongside Haiti to plan for the integration of Haitians into their communities. They are providing people with humanitarian aid like food, employment, housing, counseling and education.

Haiti appreciates the support from the Latin American community and would like to this continue as well as receiving support from countries outside of Latin America. From the United States Haiti would like equal treatment to the Haitian immigrants as the Cuban immigrants because in several situations there have been unequal actions taken against them. Haiti would also like President Obama to sign the Haitian Family Reunification Parole Program as well as keep their promise to help this country in its time of greatest need. From the Dominican Republic Haiti would like to see efforts to help its immigrants receive proper identifications so they can continue their educations.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: India
Delegate Name: David Wang
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Human migration has been precipitously increasing in the last decade, incited by new push and pull factors associated with globalization. Many nations have taken initiatives to regulate surges in immigrant and refugees populations which has engendered concerns regarding the rights of these migrants. Governments seldom infringe upon cross boarder movement provided that relevant documentation is paired with positive intent – educational, economic, or personal pursuits. People seeking political asylum are also generally accepted by host nations and sanctioned by the provisions of the UNHCR Agenda for Protection and Article 31 of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. However, the extension of basic rights to immigrants who have settled in a country is neglected by nations of all development levels. Many are barred from education, healthcare, and protection as well as being subject to arbitrary detention and unjustified repatriation.

India recognizes distinct socio-economic and legal divisions within the migrant population and acts according to the economic, educational, and political needs of these groups. Some degree of movement regulation, both in and out of a country, is imperative to stability but the extent of these restraints is favorable to legal migrants and involved countries. India has traditionally approached the issue bilaterally. The Foreigners Act of 1946 regulates the entry and stay of foreigners in India while the ECR controls emigration. Immigrants are granted a Person of Indian Origin Card or Overseas Citizenship of India depending on circumstances. Both grant practical parity with Indian citizens but do not permit voting, standing for election, or government employment. On the other hand, the government takes into account, the rights of emigrating citizens as well by controlling and monitoring the licensing of agents and brokers, safeguarding migrants' rights in countries of temporary residence, maximizing their remittance potential, and facilitating reintegration upon their return. Indian law requires every person entering the country to have proper documentation denoting permission from Indian authorities. Accordingly, refugees and those seeking political asylum must register with the government. Although recognized refugees do not have the right of free movement in India and are not entitled to work, they are entitled protection from persecution. In addition, the Extradition Act of 1962 provides some protection to refugees facing extradition. Undocumented immigrants face expulsion. Repatriation efforts have proven ineffective in controlling an influx of illegal immigrants form Bangladesh. Currently the Ministry of Home Affairs is addressing the issue by constructing a 2,650 kilometers fence on the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The purpose of this conference should be to define the extent to which basic rights should be extended to immigrants and the degree of autonomy migrants have in the host country. India supports the provisions of General Assembly resolution 63/184 and Human Rights Council resolution 8/10 which advocate full education opportunities and health services for immigrants. The assembly should strive to encourage all member nations to implement the extension of these services too legal immigrant groups residing within its borders. Distinctions however, must be made between refugees and undocumented migrants. Rights for these groups should remain limited to the scope of their situation and ultimately be left to the discretion of individual governments. However, a universal response to deportation should be formulated on the premise of administrative action, not criminalization or punitive measures.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Brooke Michelson
School: Roeper School

The rights of immigrants is a broadly discussed topic and a relevant social, political, and economic issue in nearly all nations. It is important to protect and support he ability for people to migrate across borders whether to seek refuge or an improved standard of life and the fair treatment of said people once they settle into their new region. On the other hand, it is imperative to balance immigrants’ rights with the rights of each individual state to protect its borders and its population.

The Republic of Indonesia holds a significant interest in the rights of immigrants. Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the world, with a high level of ethnic diversity as home to over 300 different ethnic and religious groups. The Republic of Indonesia has a surplus of labor force, which inevitably leads to migration. In mid-2006, there were 2.7 million Indonesians working overseas with official permission. This represents 2.8 percent of the total national workforce. A vast majority of unskilled Indonesian workers emigrate to Malaysia, a migration exchange second only in numbers to that of the United States and Mexico. Indonesia holds a vested interest in protecting our citizens while they are working overseas. The Indonesian government has set up a directorate to improve the welfare of migrant workers and to spearhead inspection visits by Indonesian officials of workplaces abroad The Republic of Indonesia’s ethnic and cultural diversity coupled with its experience in protecting and allowing the rights of emigrants, our citizens abroad, put us in a position of understanding the need to defend the rights of immigrants while keeping in mind the sanctity of nations’ borders and the delicate balance of their workforces and populations.

Possible areas to explore in debate and resolution while discussing this topic include the easing and dismantling of legal obstacles and improved systems for immigrant support and aid. The Republic of Indonesia looks forward to discussing this issue further with The Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee and working towards solutions that will help protect the rights of immigrants.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: John Dwyer
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Giving the exponentially globalizing world, the movement of ideas, products and most importantly people has become an ever-increasing trend. Governments should do little, if any, to impede on the movement of people form nation to nation. Iran, however, does believe that nations do indeed have the right to determine which people are allowed to enter their country, for the sole purpose to protect their national sovereignty. Any immigrant should have the right to freely leave the nation in which they reside, however, Iran again reaffirms that nations do indeed have the right to prevent certain individual immigrants from entering their nation.

Iran sees no issue in a nation denying liberties to immigrant populations that are not citizens. This is because the immigrants have yet to obtain the legal status of citizen and therefore should not reap the benefits that a citizen deserves. Since immigrant populations are so large in ever country, they should not be completely over looked by the nation. If immigrants live within the boarders of a country they deserve the same military protection that every citizen would be granted.

Iran recognizes the huge social changes happening in this world, and therefore sees no reason to differentiate between ethnic groups. Iran sees great value in the youth of our world and understands that the road to citizenship should be easier than for a student or youth. Refugees of military conflict also deserve certain privileges such as shelter, food, and perhaps even a job to get them off of their feet. A government however, should never turn its full focus from its citizens to immigrants.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Emily Barnum
School: Vicksburg High School

As having experienced different sides in the issue of migration, Ireland understands the significance of the topic and its impact on the overall well-being of states and peoples world wide. Historically Ireland has seen large numbers of emigration and immigration in different years in relation to varying economic situations. Therefore Ireland appreciates and understands the necessity of migration and acknowledges the need to monitor its process in order to best serve the country and its peoples.

Ireland is currently dealing with economic downfall and is concerned with how distinguishing between citizens and immigrants plays a role in its economy. It is important to not pass greatly needed employment to non-citizens when citizens are nearby also in need of jobs. This issue reveals the need to distinguish between citizens and non-citizens and regulate the process that employers use to hire employees. With all this said, Ireland does not wish to discourage all immigration, specifically refugees. This is why clears rules and procedures have been defined in regards to Asylums and identifying who does and does not qualify—Ireland wishes to help those in need and therefore has created a system to do this safely and effectively.

It is important to acknowledge that countries and their peoples vary greatly, as also do relationships between countries and peoples. Ireland identifies migrants as individuals who should justly be treated as thus and therefore is specific with its procedures and regulations according to the status of each. The matter lies in differentiating between human rights and legal rights. Human rights are expected to be protected. Legal rights must be clarified because they allow a country to function, especially in these difficult economic times. Ireland seeks to find resolutions that acknowledge the rights of individuals and the importance of legal status but protect legal distinctions between different immigrant groups.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Betsy Hensel
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The movement of citizens is a familiar and fundamental concept around the world. The emigrants of each country hold a common sentiment: the desire for an improved life, whether that be for work opportunities, religious freedom, or escape from oppressive home countries. Whatever the case may be, there is a moral obligation to aid the global citizens. However, each country certainly holds the right to accept, refuse, and treat newcomers in whatever manner it sees fit. Since gaining independence in 1948, the State of Israel has upheld the standards and practices of a developed first world country, a country with definite borders, international relations, and expectations of the great citizens of the nation. Israel is a nation with a strong spirit of nationalism that extends into many aspects of Israeli culture. In recent years, the unity and strength of Israel has been threatened by a drastic increase in outside immigration, more than 60,000 immigrants since 2005, immigration that is predominantly illegal. Since the late 1990s, thousands of immigrants from Africa– primarily from Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan– have infiltrated Israel. They have travelled through Egypt, and entered Israel claiming asylum, a status that is impossible to corroborate, considering that a large majority of immigrants are coming from a stable country– Egypt. A number of the immigrants are in possession of permits of a three month duration that allow them to remain in the country, not work and find permanent residence. The presence of such aliens is threatening the very fabric of the Jewish state. In areas of high concentration of such immigrants such as Tel Aviv the crime rates have significantly increased, infrastructure is choked, and public services face much higher demands. The Israeli government realizes fully that the issue must be handled with sensitivity and respect. In hopes to control the incoming foreign population, a steel wall has been built extending across the Israel-Egypt border to detain incomers, as well as a large-capacity holding station for the immigrants to confirm asylum status or permit holding, an objective of the Israeli government. Israel does in fact recognize those seeking political asylum and does grant applications for residence on these grounds. South Sudan was recently deemed sufficiently secure for the South Sudanese immigrants to repatriate. No violence shall be shown toward the African immigrants, and any violent uprisings by the citizens of Israel are fully denounced by the government. In a separate vain, Israel readily welcomes the Jewish citizens from around the world in fulfillment of the Law of Return, a concept of judaism that accords Jews to settle in the Promised Land of Israel. Since 1948, more than 3.5 million Jews have obtained citizenship in Israel. In summation, Israel believes that essentially it is not the responsibility of the Israeli people to maintain and support such a large foreign population, and the fate of their home countries is not the responsibility of the country, rather the United Nations, but encourages the followers of Judaism to return to Israel as part of religious fulfillment.

The State of Israel believes that national sovereignty and the protection of the social fabric of Israel is paramount. The integrity of the Jewish state is the only factor under consideration regarding this matter. Therefore, Israel insists that it is not necessary for the United Nations to divert attention to the foreign immigration into Israel. No state that was a party to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees may deny refugees entry into the country. However, the country accepting the refugees may deter the amount entering and the treatment of such refugees as the state feels fit. In response to the United Nations Commissioner of High Refugee’s urging that Israel grant asylum to the tens of thousands of African refugees is out of order. Israel has recognized in a few cases that the areas from which some are fleeing are of imminent danger and thus qualify for political asylum, yet the country through which the migrants are travelling, Egypt, is a stable country capable of maintaining the large volume of immigrants it is receiving. Israel recommends that the United Nations respect the sovereignty of Israel, including the nation’s treatment of refugees, and that attention is devoted to another issue.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Caroline Sawatzki
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Immigration is becoming an increasingly pressing issue worldwide. Although Italy will protect and uphold foreigner’s right to seek asylum (as defined in articles 31 and 32 of Law 189/2002, article 10, section 3 of The Italian Constitution, and legislative decrees 251 (2007) and 25), and will welcome those who are granted refugee status as defined by the Geneva Convention, it recognizes the need for uniform immigration control to prevent an influx of immigrants to any one nation due to discrepancies in regulation. Many nations, including Italy, are struggling with potentially crippling economic downfall. As a result, national resources are strained; many nations are incurring increasingly high amounts of debt, and many citizens are unemployed. This leads to concerns about undocumented laborers occupying jobs which would otherwise be offered to citizens of the nation. This is why it has become a priority within Italy to prevent masses of undocumented citizens from moving into Italy. Measures have been taken within Italy to regulate and control immigration, such as legislation which clarified the process of requesting asylum (legislative decrees 251 (2007) and 25 (2008) in accordance with the Geneva Convention), and laws such as the Bossi-Fini law (law 189 of July 2002) which regulates many aspects of immigration including residence contracts, the admittance of skilled and non-skilled European Union workers for work purposes, and conditions under which a permanent residence agreement may be reached.

Although such extensive measures have been taken to regulate immigration within the nation, a United Nations-mandated plan targeting immigration would help nations to move forward as a collective group to fix this problem. Italy is looking to collaborate with other nations in order to establish a working system of regulations that are both humanitarian in nature, but also provide adequate restrictions on immigration to nations that do not wish to receive immigrants. These regulations should also allow nations to decide which citizen-specific privileges should be denied to undocumented residents of the nation, such as participation in the democratic process or benefiting from government assistance, so long as the treatment of the immigrants is morally and ethically responsible. It should also note that nations not be required to grant citizenship to any one person or group of people, regardless of the duration of their residence.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Jamaica
Delegate Name: Meredith McKeown
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

It is estimated by the IOM or International Organization for Migration that there are over 214 million immigrants worldwide along with 14 million refugees. By nature humans are nomadic and move around throughout their lives, thus we must account for this as an international community. It is the delegation of Jamaica’s belief that this movement should not be restricted and that, with proper documentation, humans should be able to migrate as they please. Under Chapter two of the Jamaican Constitution, a person is an automatic citizen of Jamaica if they are 1) born in the country or 2) born outside of Jamaica to Jamaican parents. If a person is not born a Jamaican citizen, they can become one based on marriage, naturalization, or registration. We think that all nations should have rules resembling these.

Jamaican borders are open to individuals who exhibit good behavior along with proper documentation. It is quite possible for foreigners to obtain citizenship in Jamaica, and although not born into the country, those citizens have identical rights to those who are lifelong members of our country. It is our firm belief that an international standard for immigration rights should be further established and followed by all. The two principal laws governing international migration in Jamaica — the Aliens Act (1946) and the Immigration Restriction (Commonwealth Citizens) Act (1954) — focus on controlling immigration by regulating the entry of foreign nationals for the purpose of employment. Through acts likes these and working closely with organizations like the IMO (International Organization for Migration), nations can form a uniform policy regarding immigrants and their rights. Together we, as UN member nations, should work to form a more uniform policy regarding immigrants rights and guarantee equal rights to all citizens, regardless of how they became citizens or race, age, roots, religion, or political association.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Wenliang Ma
School: Fishers High School

Immigrants have the basic liberty to live and enjoy life. The biggest problem that Japan sees that limits country growth is strict immigration policies. Developed countries are experiencing a population and workforce crisis. Long life expectancies and low birth rates are forcing developed countries to outsource jobs to underdeveloped countries. Japan believes that if all 1st world and 3rd world countries agree to a less strict immigration policy, the economic sectors and citizen rights will be raised in developed and underdeveloped countries respectively.

Japan understands that certain problems can happen with mass immigration. Namely changing of culture or taking over of a country. We hope that certain precautions can be put into place. Workers and immigrants can be given a special work VISA that will allow them to stay for a certain amount of time. Certain citizenship laws and tests can still be set based on countries, however work VISAs should be based on an international law.

Japan believes that countries such as Bulgaria, Armenia, Greece, and Russia would be allies to the idea of a less strict international immigration policy. Since most of the listed countries are developed countries with a declining population, new sources of labor are needed to keep the industrial sectors running. Other countries such as Indonesia, Mexico and African countries could be slight advocates since this would be an opportunity to increase their own citizens’ standard of living. Japan’s Idea is not to make it easier for an immigrant to gain citizenship but make it easier for immigrants to migrate and apply for jobs.

If falling populations are not addressed in developed countries, there could be deflation and decreased pressure on infrastructure, education and other public services. Although the standard of living in a population could occur, the guaranteed high taxes offset this benefit. In developing countries this would be a great opportunity to gain revenue. 3rd world countries could also use this opportunity to train their citizens in skilled jobs.

Japan believes that if jobs are more readily available for immigrants, jobs would not have to be outsourced, a steady economy can be obtained, and immigrants will have opportunities not available in their home country. Work VISAs and immigration laws should be set on an international standard. This would reduce a lot of confusion for immigrants and allow a smoother transition. Citizenship rights and tests should still be set based on differing countries however. The UN should encourage nations to provide immigrants with a basic level of healthcare to improve the welfare of all.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Justin Keyes
School: Mattawan High School

Have you ever heard the saying; the grass is always greener on the other side? People have always wished to go some place that they believe is better, whether it is for economy, legality, or for environment. However, there is only so much space to go around for everybody, and not everyone will like their neighbor. No matter where you go, there will always be racism on the planet. However, just because racism is there, does not mean it is okay or should be allowed.

Is it not stated that all humans should be treated equally? Then why are so many immigrants taken advantage of. For example, some immigrants are beaten, insulted,bullied, confined inside their homes, and not paid for the work they did. This bullying must be dealt with. Immigrants should, and must not be treated this way. Being treated equally is a human right, and the United Nations should try to enforce equality of these immigrants.

Jordan would like to push for more rights to these immigrants. Jordan is known to be a regional leader in protecting migrant workers rights, and Jordan will live up to it word. Immigrants are people, so they should be treated equally as everyone else. While Jordan is aware that the United Nations can not force countries to change their ways, Jordan hopes and wishes that the United Nations will push new reforms, allowing these immigrants to be treated as equals. Overall, Jordan would like to push for equal rights for immigrants across the world.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Lesotho
Delegate Name: Bryant Hepp
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Due to an increasing amount of environmental and humanitarian crises, civil unrest, and political conflict, migration between developed and developing nations is becoming increasingly difficult to regulate. For many countries, it has become more of a challenge to exercise control over the borders that have traditionally marked the end of one state’s territory and the beginning of another’s. With the rise of globalism in this post-Cold War era, the necessity of these arbitrary barriers has diminished as well. It is critical for the United Nations to develop a plan on what is to be done about this dire and pressing issue.

Despite any wish to the contrary, each individual is now more than ever a citizen of the world, and not just their country of origin. With most of its domestic revenue consisting of remittances from the 4 million ethnic Basotho living in South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho implores its fellow nations to perceive the urgency of recognizing the right of immigrants to find work in their host country free of discrimination. The only way to provide a comprehensive and long-lasting solution to secure Lesotho’s economic sovereignty is to draft worldwide policy reform regarding migration and remittances between underdeveloped, developing, and developed nations. International standardization of a rational and comprehensive set of immigration procedures will not only allow hardworking immigrants the right to join their host country’s workforce; it will allow these countries to regulate the movements of terrorists, criminals, and other undesirable persons of interest across international borders through a globally recognized system.

Lesotho is the 3rd largest recipient of remittances as a share of GDP in the world; comprehensive, global immigration reform is not simply a wish—it is essential for the continued prosperity of the Basotho people. The welfare of Lesotho is tied to the unencumbered movements of migratory laborers, as is the welfare of the global economy. The nations of India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines each receive significant capital from remittances, and stand to benefit from the same migration reforms Lesotho urges all nations to embrace. It is time for each nation push to end discrimination based on country of origin, and to institute an effective, comprehensive policy to facilitate fair, just, and free migration between all countries of the world. The Kingdom of Lesotho firmly believes that every United Nations Member State is better than the nationalistic tendencies that have needlessly caused conflict and contention in the past, and that the nations on this committee will band together in response to this issue.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Madagascar
Delegate Name: Ben Goldberg
School: Roeper School

Despite its natural beauty and unique ecosystem, very few people immigrate to Madagascar. Far more people emigrate from Madagascar than people immigrate to Madagascar. The problem with people emigrating from Madagascar is that we are concerned about how the Malagasy people are treated outside of Madagascar. We feel that our people may be treated unfairly or inhumanely in the nations the people of Madagascar immigrate to.

Madagascar strongly feels that there needs to be international agreements established in order to make sure all immigrants have the same basic human rights as citizens of their host nation. Most Malagasy people have migrated to nearby Francophone countries such as Comoros and Seychelles as well as to further Francophone countries like Cote D’Ivoire, France, or Canada, as well as developed nations in the Indian Ocean basin such as South Africa and Australia. While Madagascar is strongly opposed to immigration to our nation, we will however grant all rights to people that may immigrate to our country.

Other countries which might feel that their people are treated poorly as immigrants might be Afghanistan and nations neighboring South Africa. South Africa is a common destination for African immigrants. Since South Africa is has both a high standard of living than neighboring African nations as well as high levels of unemployment for its own citizens, South Africa would seek to limit immigration to their country, and have at times have not provided immigrants with protection for their basic human rights.

Madagascar is willing to work with all countries to solve this growing problem of “Rights of Immigrants”. We feel that the growing issue of immigrants being poorly treated needs to be changed as quickly as possible.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Malawi
Delegate Name: Amelia Stecker
School: Royal Oak High School

Through time, groups of people have obliged by the “push-pull” theory: with migration comes a “push” from one home, and a “pull” to a destination. These forces influence the way cultures interact, the development of language and technology, and every aspect of mankind. Due to this theory and the improvement of transportation, peoples of the world and their migration patterns have increased. This is caused by the “push” from home countries—such as natural disasters, political chaos, or social oppression. There is also the “pull” force—freedom from such oppression, financial gain, and the search for a better well-being. Thus, these forces result in a flux of populations among the world’s countries, and then in a new issue: how do we regulate such migration? For these increasing patterns of travel have aroused new problems leading to crime and other conflicts, such as the rights of the immigrants in their new destinations. These issues not only affect the first world countries that may have more attractive “pull” forces, but also the developing countries of the world, that are influenced by their neighbors.

Though Malawi does not possess the size or success that bigger countries may have, it still is affected by the regulations of other countries surrounding it. Barely capable of providing suitable tools for sustainable lives of citizens, Malawi cannot afford to take care of a large influx of immigrants of refugees into the country. Overflow of the borders from other countries that land lock Malawi may be influential to the welfare of Malawi’s existing population. Medical examinations for immigrants and refugees are recommended and necessary; however, due to lack of sustainable communication and transportation throughout the country, this process becomes difficult to efficiently yet thoroughly accomplish. Before arrival, a person wishing to enter Malawi must satisfy an immigration officer and prove that he or she is not a prohibited immigrant, and that in Malawi, he or she is able depend on him or herself. We cannot allow or suffer through potential chaos that a prohibited immigrant may provoke within time spent in the already-developing country. Therefore, while Malawi wishes to fulfill a thorough inspection of or aid to suspecting or legal immigrants during their stay within the country, they are unable to provide such services due to lack of sustainable infrastructure within the government.

Malawi’s mission is to provide sound migration management and achieve issuance of relevant documents to eligible people for national security and social and economic development. Progressing toward the full prevention of illegal migration into Malawi, we address neighboring countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique and ask them to enforce strict policy on crossing over to Malawi. This will lead to a proper recognition to immigrant rights. Also, by enforcing a UN policy in the present, Malawi will be prepared for when we are capable of dealing with such an issue with a developed and efficient government and structure.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Mongolia
Delegate Name: Mike Miller
School: Royal Oak High School

To start off, we would like to acknowledge the fact that there are two-hundred fourteen million migrants, or people consenting relocation, globally. That is almost one in twenty-two. We wouldn't go as far as to say that migration is a problem, but some policies of migration can be. In our eyes, the problem is that in some cases, the migrants are being stripped of their basic human rights.

For example, Mongolia has a law that “regulates relations concerning the entry, exit, transit and residence of foreign visitors and stateless persons in Mongolia and to define their rights and responsibilities.” This is aptly named “LAW ON LEGAL STATUS OF FOREIGN CITIZENS”. This law allows the federal government of Mongolia to place any necessary restrictions on the rights and freedoms of foreign citizens apart from the basic human rights. We believe that this is a fair law toward immigrants. Another restriction that Mongolia has put in place is that no more than one percent of the population can be migrants (or 0.33% from one country) according to Chapter Four: Article Twenty-Four of this law, which in does not affect the rights of the immigrants, only the concentration. A separate policy of Mongolia is that Illegal immigrants cannot work, so to work in Mongolia, you need a citizenship. A third and most common restriction throughout the world is that you need a visa if you are staying there in excess of thirty days.

To sum it all up, we will be for any resolution that does not restrict rights of immigrants to an extreme, defines their rights, and keeps their basic rights intact.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Kelly Perrin
School: Mattawan High School

Many countries in the world enforce immigration laws of varying degree, but all typically have the same purpose: restricting the flow of people and protecting the economy of their country from those looking to immigrate into it. Immigration in many places is seen as a sore point as many countries must begin to decide who they will allow into their country with what status and rights as an immigrant. Much of the time, immigrants move from a developing country into a developed country. Many people immigrate to escape an aspect of their home country, such as government or to have better work opportunities to support their families. Immigration laws are passed to help the country whose government passed them, but they can often seem harsh to the outside countries they affect.

In the 1980s, many Moroccans left Morocco to work in the agriculture and industry of Spain. 2000 marked a large shift in Spanish immigration laws where a visa was now required and permanent resident visas were even harder to attain. A few years later Spanish authorities began offering payment to unemployed immigrants if they agreed to cancel their residency and leave the country. Not according to Spain's plans, the Moroccan immigrant population increased. Morocco feels that in has met the brunt of the immigration laws of Spain in the twenty-first century. In concern to the neighboring African country, Algeria is much like Morocco in that in gained it's independent from France and it's government is a mix of Islamic law and French government. Algeria also has a similar though slightly less prosperous economy than Morocco which might cause some immigration but very little. Algeria and Morocco did once represent a united front but since 1975 when Spain abandoned the Western Sahara territory, relations have been filled with mistrust over occupation of the territory. Border control between Morocco and Algeria has been an ever-changing issue that has not been solved yet.

Having difficult relations with it's neighboring countries, the Kingdom of Morocco looks to the future to resolve these issues. Differentiating between groups of immigrants will be important in issues that come to play. It would be suggested by Morocco that less oppressive immigration laws be enforced between countries who have working relationships. Morocco, receiving the strain of many immigration laws would hope in the future for a smaller impact dealing with international relations.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Hailey Albert
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Immigration and migration has shaped nations for hundreds of years, and should continue to do so in the future. However, there should be some limits on people moving to a new country. The restriction should come in some form, whether it is national or international is debatable. Every country wants to protect their national sovereignty, but having common laws between nations will simplify immigration. If a nation wanted to they could enforce stricter rules, but it would be their own responsibility to uphold and regulate those laws.

A country is dependent on its citizens and the way that they help keep it running. People who want to enter a country should have an education that will help them find a job and not hinder that nation. There also needs to be some consideration of the debt that they have accumulated in the nation that they are coming from, and records of whether or not they paid taxes or other forms of government fee collection. Immigrants should be able to prove that they will be a good addition to the nation they hope to join.

People who wish to go to a nation for their education should that demonstrate that they have a fit back ground to understand what they are learning, and should not have failed a class. People who are looking to go to a nation for work opportunities should have to prove that they have done research on the qualifications of the jobs that they are looking at entering. However, if these people don’t want to be a citizen and are coming in without the intent of becoming a citizen, than they do not need to be given all of the rights of the citizens. Things that they should be allowed to get should be things like bank accounts, health care, and protection against criminal action, but the state does not need to provide welfare or other tax based aid, loans, or anything that you pay into as part of that governments fee collection. The things that the government does not have to provide cannot put the persons safety at jeopardy, limit there opportunities, or infringe on their personal wellbeing.

There are some exceptions to this though, children who are coming along with parents, who would be considered a minor in the country they are going to are dependent on their parents’ acceptance, with some exceptions being if they have a criminal record. Other than children there should be no exceptions to the way that states treat immigrants. If there is difficulty with getting paperwork for people than a trial period maybe granted, but this should be rarely done and monitored very closely.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Jordan Vuckovich
School: Mattawan High School

1)Immigrants are the founders of nations. They are the ones who have first arrived and do the hard work in creating a nation. They lay the foundation for a nation to rise up. Without immigrants countries such as the United States wouldn't be a melting pot of cultures to coexist with each other and learn from one another. However immigration is largely criticized whether it is a positive or a negative. Each country has its own beliefs on immigration.

2)While immigration is important to many, Nigeria believes that immigration is not a relevant topic to their country. It is not seen as an important issue that needs radical change. Although Nigeria may be criticized for this issue, they believe that it is perfect where it is at currently for immigration. Nigeria believes that by not having a constant influence in its immigration, that problems will not arise. Only twice in its history has there been drastic action on the borders and that was back in 1982 and 1983.

3)Even with Nigeria's loose stance on immigration, there are possible solutions. One such solution would to create a Border Security unit that patrols the border in a way that is right with Nigeria's views. Such as simply monitoring illegal activity and cracking down on it but still allowing for loose borders. Another way would be to create checkpoints on the borders where all immigrants need to go through so it can be controlled better in certain locations so there is more focus concentrated in a single point instead of a spread out area.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Norway
Delegate Name: Zachary Shannon
School: Mattawan High School

Since the dawn of man, there have been migrants; whether it is for food, safety, or education, they feel the need to flee their home country. Historic examples of this flocking to other countries are the migration of Mexicans to the United States, Irish to the United States, and the Turkish fleeing to Germany. In these countries and many others around the world, immigration rights has become an increasing problem and is the cause of controversy that seems to have no end.

The Kingdom of Norway does not have nearly the same immigration influx as the United States or Turkey, but it has historically had a constant rate of migration to it, and has only recently had a large boom of immigrants flowing into it. The rights of these immigrants and others around the world have been called into question since they are not natural citizens to the country that they are now inhabiting. The Kingdom of Norway, in response to this controversy, enacted the Immigration Act in 1988 which allowed immigrants to have the same rights as native Norwegians. This act marked a step in the right direction for promoting equality amongst all people; not just in favor of immigrants or natural citizens.

The Kingdom of Norway recognizes that countries should be able to allow or deny whomever they so choose, but that countries should realize that the immigrants who are allowed or denied have rights that are equal to those of their citizens and should be treated thus. The Kingdom of Norway, would be willing to cooperate with other countries that align themselves with this set of beliefs.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Courtney Fox
School: Roeper School

Pakistan is highly concerned about the rights of immigrants. Pakistan accepts and has supported many immigrants. For many years, the doors of Pakistan have been open to the Afghan people. During the Afghan invasion by the Soviet Union, Pakistan accepted most of the 6 million people that fled to other countries in need of a safe place of refuge. Accepting a large number of immigrants who are in need of assistance is a costly challenge to take on. Pakistan was willing to help the Afghan refugees when they were facing a major crisis. As a result virtually all of the Afghan immigrants were given refuge in Pakistan and have returned safely to Afghanistan.

Today a main concern of Pakistan has been the migration of people of Pakistan to parts of the Middle East and developing nations. Destinations for many Pakistan migrants have been Australia, UK, Canada, Germany, Turkey, and a number of Persian Gulf nations. Pakistan wants to insure that migrants are being treated humanely no matter what their immigration status would be. The vast majority of Pakistanis migrate for economic reasons. Pakistanis have had much trouble with actually achieving fair treatment, human rights, and economic fairness as immigrants. Many protests and strikes have been made by Pakistani migrants to gain rights that have been disregarded or violated.

Pakistan’s acceptance of large numbers of immigrants was based on two specific historical situations of 1947 and 1979 that were particular to those time periods. Today Pakistan is less likely to be a destination of migrants in part due to Pakistan’s economic challenges. Pakistan is willing to work with all nations to establish standards that will safeguard human rights of immigrants. Pakistan feels strongly that there should be no difference in basic human rights granted to migrants, and strongly urges nations to observe the UNDHR (United Nations Declaration of Human Rights) for all persons within their borders.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Palestine
Delegate Name: Audrey Gilmour
School: Flint Southwestern Classical Academy

A country is built on its citizens. Those citizens make the country and keep it running. In this way it is like a factory. However, a successful factory does not let just any person walk in and start working. Those jobs are given to the ones who were already workers in the factory. The outsiders must wait at the door until someone working at the factory can take the time to go through the steps of allowing them into the factory and giving them a job. If the outsider did not have to be interviewed and go through the steps of becoming a worker then the factory would be allowing just about anyone to become an employ. With so many strangers working in the factory the quality of work produced would most likely go down and the employees that had been there since they were old enough to work would not be content. All in all, a country, like a factory, must be allowed to regulate those who enter to maintain equilibrium.

The past shows that when a country does not have the power to make and carry out decisions regarding immigration it can threaten their national sovereignty. The Israeli occupation of Palestine is a good example of this. Jewish immigration into Palestine has led decades of turmoil and the undermining of Palestinian statehood. If countries are not allowed to monitor and regulate their influx of migrants they could face similar issues. Palestine would hate to see other nations taken over and mistreated as the Palestinians have been by the Israelis.

To protect the national sovereignty of all states this committee should grant all countries the right to maintain a border and deny the entry of migrants. For those immigrants already present, the path to citizenship should be made available and manageable. Government officials should be authorized to deport immigrants both documented and undocumented. Circumstances, such as cases of refugees, should be taken into consideration and seen with some sympathy. To make these goals concrete they should be included in a resolution.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Drew Taylor
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Immigration is the migration of people to a territory of which they are not native. There are many reasons one chooses to migrate, including war, poverty, disaster, ect. Whatever the reason, immigration is often necessary. However, in 2008 the number of immigrants has reached close to 200 million and is rising. This mass amount of migrants can lead to overpopulation and loss of jobs for people native to that territory. Also, many people migrate illegally, simply crossing the borders without permission. Many yearn for a better lifestyle which can be found in more developed countries. So they simply cross over territories. Nevertheless, human rights allow people to choose where they would like to live. All humans should be allowed the right to migrate as long as they are not crossing borders illegally.

The Philippines have allowed immigration in and out of their country under a few circumstances. We have come up with a visa policy which states all foreign immigrants must have a visa unless; He/she is a citizen of a member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he/she is a citizen of a non-ASEAN member state whose nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free, or he/she is only returning to the Philippines temporarily. This requires the person to have a legitimate reason, and go through a process in order to migrate.

We would like to see tighter border control from all countries such as UAVs or watch dogs. If we eliminated illegal immigration, the overall immigration numbers would decrease drastically. Everyone should be required to have a visa in order to change territories. This would also make sure everybody has a legitimate reason to migrate. This protects the rights of all citizens, as well as decreasing the amount of immigration all together.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Karigan Pliml
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The Portuguese government is fully engaged with the issues of immigration and race. In Portugal, illegal immigrants are entitled to free medical care in cases of childbirth, emergency, or tuberculosis, their children's health, HIV/Aids and any other infectious diseases, and Portugal is unlikely to grant full amnesty to illegal immigrants. In some estimates, Portugal’s illegal immigrant to population ratio is about 400,000 in 10 million. Portugal has only a 4% immigrant population, half of Spain’s immigrant population. Portugal’s low immigrant population (which in part is due to the economic crisis at the turn of the century) correlates with its relatively low xenophobic violence reports. However, Portugal does acknowledge the dangers that immigrants are placed in in unsafe areas, and recognizes that the rights of immigrants throughout the world need to be acknowledged and improved.

It is Portugal’s belief that immigration rights need to be acknowledged internationally. The rights of illegal immigrants should also be recognized. These rights include those set out by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; these rights apply to all humans, and immigrants are not an exception. At risk to the economic or overall stability or welfare of each sovereign state, the rights of illegal immigrants should also be recognized, but their amnesty is not required.

Each sovereign state should outline its own country's immigration policy. However, this policy should be reviewed by a committee that is formed and supported by the United Nations so that the individual country's immigration policy meets the global standards for international immigration rights.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Macey Gerster
School: Fishers High School

We, the Russian Federation, believe that the state should have the right to monitor the flow of immigrants into their state. We, as a state, struggle with the amount of legal and illegal immigrants that come into our country each year. Every year nearly fourteen-million immigrants come to live in the Russian Federation. We as a nation should have the right to employ laws and boundaries on these immigrants and decide what rights they have to live and work in our state. These views will help us maintain a stable social and economical structure that will all together benefit us, the Russian Federation.

We think that the laws allowing people to enter and leave the country should be stricter making it less difficult for illegal immigrants and immigrants with fake registrations to come into the country. Potential immigrants should have the right to enter the state under the laws of the Russian Federation. We believe that in order to become a legal immigrant one must show proper registration. Also, we would like to reinforce our use of language and cultural tests for incoming immigrants. With the use of these tests, we can decrease the population of immigrant who will not be able to work or communicate in our society and increase the incoming of men and women immigrants who are more likely to be a benefit to our country and who will be working class citizens. Today, many immigrants in our state are unable to find jobs because of language and cultural differences. By employing these tests we are able to allow the individuals who will benefit and be a benefit to our country in and keep those who threaten the culture and lives of everyday citizens out.

In general we, the Russian Federation, believe that noncitizens of the state should not benefit from the same benefits as citizens do. We have made it illegal for employers to employ illegal immigrants. Such acts can result in a heavy fine and possible jail time. We believe that in order to decrease illegal immigration we should not turn a blind eye to the employment of them in our country. Our goal is to increase the proper immigration patterns and to discourage the act of illegal immigration. Citizens of the Russian Federation have earned the right to benefit from their country and all of its glories. Noncitizens on the other hand have not earned this right. Therefore, they should not be able to benefit from the labor and hard work of our citizens. As a state, we have the responsibility to our immigrants to help lead them down the road of citizenship. We believe that they should be tough how to live and work in our country properly. Then they will be able to bring more to our country.

We, the Russian Federation, understand that there are many personal circumstances that lead to immigration; however, we still strongly disagree that illegal immigration should be tolerated at any time. Our state cannot thrive when people unable to work due to language or personal problems. We, as a state, believe that all immigrants should come into our state legally and that they should not be tolerated if done illegally. The Russian Federation would like to urge the United Nations to consider implicating stricture immigration laws worldwide.

Bibliography

Koshkin, Pavel. "Russia's Authorities to Tighten Migration Legislature." Russia Beyond The Headlines. N.p., 3 Feb. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://rbth.ru/articles/2012/02/03/russias_authorities_to_tighten_migration_legislature_14315.html>.

Koshkin, Pavel. "Russia Closed for Immigration?" Russia Beyond The Headlines. N.p., 27 Jan. 2012. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://rbth.ru/articles/2012/01/27/russia_closed_for_immigration_14261.html>.

Masterova, Galina. "Russia's New Migrants Class." Russia Beyond The Headlines. N.p., 7 June 2011. Web. 02 Nov. 2012. <http://rbth.ru/articles/2011/06/07/russias_new_migrants_class_13008.html>.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Nadia Haile
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

Immigrants make up much of countries populations. This fact makes it important that they are treated the same as natural born citizens. It is also important that the there is high regulation of immigrants. For developing countries there will be many trying to leave. There will be different groups coming in to influence developing countries to make decisions like them. These are some of the many reasons there should be strict laws for regulating immigration.

Rwanda has gone through a traumatizing experience being the genocide. A direct impact of the genocide has been many refuge Rwandans leaving. Now that Rwanda has rebuilt and has recovered eminency many refuges are immigrating back. Rwanda’s immigrating population has exceeded its emigrating population. New travel documents have been introduced to facilitate movement of Rwandans. To continue the growth some new laws have been passed. One being a New Immigration Law No O4/201, this law is to attract skilled workers, promote investment, tourism and enhance national security. Different levels of visas are also another technique to helping facilitate immigration.

In conclusion immigration regulation should be tightened. Immigration is a great way to enhance the population of developing countries. Immigrants that can help the development of countries are an important factor of a countries success. All immigrants should be treated the same. Laws should be in place to insure equal treatment. Rwanda having many returning refugees wants its people to feel welcome back. All countries should be as welcoming to their returning people, as well as refuges from other countries. Recruiting skilled workers from other countries is a way to enhance the countries profit.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Tracy Scherdt
School: Ann Arbor Community High School

Migration of persons in the international sphere is a recurring and prevalent issue. In order to understand the issue thoroughly it is necessary to define the terms of immigration. There are two types of immigration: voluntary and involuntary and, in terms of legality, legal and illegal. A migrant that settles in a state in which they are not native solely out of favorable situation is considered voluntary. On the other hand, involuntary refugees have been displaced by an unfavorable situation; whether that situation be natural disaster, racial/religious conflict, civil war, or another. A voluntary migrant may not always be a legal immigrant, many are illegal in fact. The legal status of refugees in all states is a ubiquitous and differing question.

South Africa sees its diverse demographic as key in determining its public policies, especially concerning rights of immigrants. Because the contemporary demographic of South Africa has been shaped by both internal and out-of-state migrations, South Africa can speak with experience on the issue of determining policies and the legality of immigrants. South Africa feels it has generated a policy satisfactory enough to be instituted in other states as well, though understands that each state differs on their objectives and concerns regarding immigration. One point of topic that South Africa discerns as important is recognizing that barring a state completely from such entries and exits of the flow of migration is counter productive and simply cannot be done. However, limitations should be placed for immigrants existing in a state to which they are not native. Such limitations should include: second-tier job opportunities for temporary or illegal residences of a state to which they are not native, leaving the jobs open for permanent residents/citizens, creating requirements for the application of permanent residents, discouraging immigrants who are not seriously committed to the country of immigration, and the ability to withdraw an immigration permit based on unmet requirements.

South Africa is aware of the question of legal status concerning immigrants of different situations. South Africa feels that it is a state’s duty to allow both migrants and refugees rights as persons, however these people can be denied certain privileges allowed to legitimate citizens of the state. South Africa understands the effect of situation on a person’s decision to migrate and therefore takes into account a certain leniency in immigration laws. Those committed to contributing and being apart of the state may stay with legal papers in order, but those who are not seriously committed will be deported or offered an alternative to staying in the state.

South Africa recommends that the above policies be instituted into states with demographics similar to the Republic of South Africa and any other states who see fit. A state has an obligation to its people, including those of resident immigration populations, and therefore South Africa maintains determined to create public policy based on the people, putting legal citizens first but simultaneously addressing the existence of a large number of illegal and legal immigrants.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Ellen Everett
School: Fishers High School

In a world full of people who wish to immigrate to other countries, many conflictions infringe the national sovereignty of the countries being immigrated to and emigrated from. When stressing the importance of national sovereignty of a country towards immigration, one must also look at the rights these immigrants have in their homeland, and will have in the new country. The Republic of Korea believes that immigration should be done in such a way that recognizes the rights of immigrants, but also recognizes the legal terms that must be met by the country being immigrated to and those of the country being emigrated from. By doing this, national sovereignty is not harmed, and the rights of immigrants will be kept protected.

When a person wishes to immigrate to another country, usually many legal steps must be taken. These legal steps of immigration vary from country to country, and may make it difficult for immigration and emigration to occur. Although this is true, one cannot impose on the national sovereignty of a country. Because of this, if the government of a country has declared that the immigration rights of a person or peoples who have committed some sort of crime or act of violence are not in place, then the Republic of Korea believes that this is a logical reason to take away the immigration rights in order to keep the peace and not to harm other countries. The same goes for if a country does not wish to accept an immigrant because this immigrant or these immigrants are of any danger to their country or government. If the certain legal terms are not met for accepting an immigrant into a country or an emigrant out of a country, then the immigration is vetoed to protect national sovereignty. The Republic of Korea also believes that once an immigrant is accepted into a country, however, the rights that immigrant is granted should be fully recognized.

The Republic of Korea feels that the committee needs to address this issue to reassure that every country will be able to keep their national sovereignty and will not be forced to accept immigrants or emigrants into or out of their country. Another point that is important to add to the discussion is what exceptions are to be allowed in situations where people need to immigrate to another country because of the destruction caused by war or natural disasters, and if they are to get the same rights as a typical immigrant, or are treated as refugees.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Matt Cornell
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Switzerland is currently experiencing large amounts of immigrants coming into their country. Due to Switzerland's good economy and highly developed industries there have been a surplus of jobs causing this immigration. The immigrants are mostly coming from European Union nations. The total immigrant population makes up over 20% of the people living in switzerland. 85% of which came from European Union nations.

Switzerland believes that immigration is not the best thing. Immigrants take jobs from the locals. However, people should have the right to decide where to live. They should also be given the basic human rights and treated as if they were a citizen in the country. Switzerland believes that every nation should make it very difficult to immigrate. Immigration is bad and other countries make it too easy. Immigrants also cause high unemployment and are often minorities that cause unnecessary trouble throughout the country.

Switzerland makes it very difficult to immigrate into their country. They do not necessarily want immigrants flooding their population anymore then what they already have. To gain swiss citizenship one must live in the country legally, paying taxes, for 12 years and have an application approved. One can not have any criminal record. Even if one was born within the borders of switzerland does not make them a citizen. After an application is approved then everyone enjoys the same basic human rights. Illegal immigrants are not tolerated within Switzerland. If one is found to be illegal then they are immediately deported.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Sarah Rusinowski
School: Royal Oak High School

The United States realizes every nation’s right to regulate and manage immigration. With over-population and illegal immigration as constant problems throughout the world, a constant influx of immigrants poses a challenge to a country like the United States. With an average of about 60,000 visas being processed each day, the American workforce crisis has been at the center of debate for the past decade. However, basic human rights demand freedom of movement. People should not be stripped of their personal liberties in any case, and this committee must protect the rights of people exercising their right to relocate. The US stands against barring exit from a country unless under extreme and unusual circumstances.

Immigrants’ rights change significantly, depending on the country, but we believe that all nations should define what rights all people (natural citizen or not) deserve. The question of education, healthcare, job opportunities and more are at the forefront of this complicated discussion.

The United States believes that all immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, deserve access to equal public education. Legal status should not interfere with a child’s right to become educated. Another necessary and basic right that immigrants need is legal protection in court systems. Discrimination against immigrants is common, and immigrants especially need this basic protection.

As one of the most diverse countries in today’s world, the United States prioritizes immigration and the status and rights of immigrants. Our major concern and goal for this committee is to distinguish between human rights and legal rights. Immigrants have the same principle liberties that all humans deserve. Legal rights are those that require citizenship and legal status in a country. It is in every member’s best interest to promote and protect the flow of people. When this system is working well, it results in prosperity. Maintaining a safe and protective immigration process promotes every country’s stability and future.

Topic: Rights of Immigrants
Country: Zimbabwe
Delegate Name: Kristen Hairston
School: Williamston High School

**bold**The issue of immigrants has become a very debatable topic throughout many countries. The surrounding countries are not stable which causes floods of immigrants to come into Zimbabwe.**bold** We believe that national sovereignty be applied to the issue which allows us to fix the problem how and when we see fit.We will decide on which circumstances will be allowed and decide who and how they will enter our country.

**bold**Zimbabwe believes there are more pressing issues to deal with before we start dealing with immigrants. At this point in time we need to focus on our people and their needs.**bold** Our people come first to us and they need to be taken care of before we deal with immigrants. Also the flow of immigrants depends greatly on the surrounding countries and how they are doing. So if our area became more stable immigrants would not be such a big deal. That would require to much time, money,and effort. So we think that it being left of us will allow us to do what is in the best interest of our country.

**bold**Zimbabwe feels that we should be able to decide on how we deal with immigrants and we will decide the process that should be taken to become a citizen as well as decide based on the case and circumstances that led them to Zimbabwe.**bold** We believe that it should be left up to the country on how they allow immigrants in and who can come in to their country. **bold**We would expect to find that China would back us up with our right to national sovereignty and for us to choose the way is best fit for our nation.**bold**