Expert clarifies illegal phase in youth migration to America

Social activist Imad Al-Awawdeh stated on Sunday that the migration of Jordanian youth to the United States is not a new trend, but an old one.

During an interview with Roya, he mentioned that about 400 individuals from the Wasatiya District in Irbid Governorate have immigrated to the United States.

He explained that the illegal aspect of this migration journey involves entering the United States through the Mexican border.

The young Jordanians surrender to American authorities upon entry to gain legal status.

Also Read: Roya exposé reveals methods of smuggling Jordanian youth to US

Previously, Musa Shteiwi, President of the Economic and Social Council, noted that people migrate in search of better job opportunities and to improve their economic situation.

This came after an in-depth report by Roya that uncovered a rising trend of Jordanian youth undertaking perilous journeys through Europe and Latin America in an attempt to migrate illegally to the US.

Shteiwi stressed that the illegal migration of Jordanian and Arab youth to the United States carries extreme risks, being unsafe and illegal, with catastrophic consequences. This route is often taken when legal migration pathways are inaccessible, prompting a need for increased awareness of its dangers.

He identified the migration of Jordanian talents as the most detrimental type, estimating that around 1.5 million Jordanians, primarily skilled professionals, have emigrated, significantly impacting the economy.

Shteiwi also mentioned that Jordan's high population growth could be partly attributed to migration. Despite the negative aspects, he acknowledged a positive economic impact from remittances, which inject approximately USD 4 billion annually into the economy, describing migration as a complex phenomenon.

Also Read: Jordanian talent migration poses major challenge