Nations grow stronger through lawful immigration and respect for human dignity. Immigration policies must be clear, humane, orderly, and aligned with national development goals. A sensible, equally enforced immigration policy must protect national security while recognizing the economic and social contributions of migrants.
Legal enforcement of immigration laws must be free from corruption. It is necessary to create and police efficient systems and fair procedures for vetting legal immigrants—systems that remain untainted by bribes or government malpractice. This requires establishing robust laws to control the policing of illegal immigration, as unauthorized entry does not benefit the growth or economic prosperity of the nation.
Laws regarding both legal and illegal immigration must be strictly enforced, and those tasked with enforcement must be closely monitored. By its nature, immigration enforcement is highly susceptible to corruption and bribery. Consequently, the Ministry of Justice must concentrate its efforts here, deploying a specialized force of both uniformed and undercover immigration officers.
Immigration laws designed to welcome skilled migrants who drive sustained growth must be concise and clear. Short- and long-term visas for students or individuals with specialized skills must require regular reporting to an immigration officer. All terms and conditions of a permitted entry visa must be met to remain in legal status.
Migrants who fall out of legal status or enter Ghana illegally shall be subject to immediate incarceration. Immigration law must establish specific timelines for hearings, adjudication, and the deportation of individuals deemed to be in the country illegally. Furthermore, laws should specifically target illegal immigrants with criminal convictions for immediate deportation, facilitated by same-day hearings before an administrative or immigration judge.
