Immigration: rigor with humanity

The government took this week another decisive step by launching the so -called ‘Via Verde’ for legal immigration. It is a brave, modern and necessary measure. Portugal needs labor to support essential sectors of its economy-from agriculture to construction, through restoration. The creation of a fast, safe and transparent channel for companies capable of welcoming foreign workers represents an intelligent bet on the competitiveness and organization of migratory flows.

But it is also at this moment that we must say clearly: immigration cannot be confused with uncontrollable, nor solidarity with permissiveness. The reception is only sustainable when there are rules, and the rules have only value if they are applied. Therefore, along with this rapid to those who come to contribute to the country, it is equally essential to ensure that those who remain in the national territory illegally, without subsistence means, or even involved in illicit activities, are the target of proceedings of raptures, just but firm.

For too long, successive socialist governments preferred to ignore the problem. They closed their eyes to overload foreigners, the existence of human trafficking networks, and the proliferation of unworthy housing situations in informal neighborhoods. The illusion that ‘everything would be resolved over time was fed. It was not resolved-it got worse.

Immigration is a structural phenomenon of our time. Portugal must be a welcoming country, yes, but also a state with authority. We cannot accept that the legal gateway remains stuck in bureaucracies while the rear gate of illegal immigration remains wide open. The law has to serve to protect everyone: those who are legally here and those who come here with the intention of integrating themselves; but also those who were born here and see public services – from housing to health – pressured by planning failures.

The protocol now presented, directly involving responsible companies, imposes demanding conditions: legal contracts, decent accommodation, formation in the Portuguese language. It is true. Immigration has to be viewed as part of the solution, not as a problem in itself. But this will only be possible if there is the courage to act on those who do not fulfill. The deportation of irregular immigrants – especially when associated with crime or document forgery – is not a taboo. It is a necessity. A country that does not control who enters or who remains is a country that abdicates its sovereignty.

The government of AD – PSD/CDS coalition is finally inverting this cycle. Between the inconsequential facilitism of the left and the punitive extremism of the populist right, there is a path of common sense, seriousness and responsibility. Portugal needs immigrants – but it needs, above all, clear rules, applied with firmness and humanity.

Our identity does not defend itself with walls, but also does not survive without limits.

Jurist and member of the Commission
CDS-PP Executive