In today's interconnected world, the movement of people across borders is a constant reality. How do countries and communities manage this? We'll look at a recent major policy, the European Union's Pact on Migration and Asylum, to understand the challenges and responsibilities involved. This lesson will help you discuss complex issues, weigh different options, and explain your reasoning clearly.
Warm-Up: A Story of a Newcomer
Watch this short video about a young person's journey. Think about what challenges she might face when arriving in a new place.
Refugee animation
A short animated film about the refugee journey.
Video Transcript
Quick, you need to go. Your family are forced to leave your home right now and move far away. What will you do? Sadly, this has happened many times in human history. One of the oldest stories in the world tells how the Hebrews fled slavery in Egypt and crossed the desert to the promised land. Perhaps your parents or grandparents moved from another country in search of safety or a better life. But today, more people than ever before are forced to flee from one country to another, seeking safety or refuge. [ 00:44 ]
Refugees' journeys are often dangerous. Many have to travel through extreme heat or cold with little food and little protection. Every minute, 30 people are forced from their homes. This is happening in many countries all around the world. The news can make us think that most people on the move are heading for Britain. This is not true. Most refugees travel to countries near their own and are helped by communities that are already living in poverty. [ 01:17 ]
People have had to leave their homes for many different reasons, like fighting, hunger, poverty, or disasters. And each person has a different story. The global refugee crisis can seem too huge to be able to do anything about it. But the church is global too. If everyone plays their part, it can make a huge difference. That's why Pope Francis says Christ asks us to welcome our brother and sister migrants and refugees with arms wide open. [ 01:54 ]
So what can you do? With your help, and because we're part of a global Catholic network, CAFOD reaches remote communities that other charities don't reach. Our partners work with people as they find ways to deal with the challenges they face so they don't have to seek refuge far away. And CAFOD supports refugees living in camps, but also poor communities that are sharing the little they have with refugees. By taking action and fundraising with CAFOD, you can make a real difference to people's lives. [ 02:29 ]
The need is great. While you've been watching this video, 75 more people have been forced from their homes. Learn more. Tell others. Act now. [ 02:47 ]
Hook: Welcoming Newcomers
Think, Pair, Share (5 minutes)
Think about the video and your own city or a city you know well. If a large group of new people arrived, what would be the most important things for the city to provide?
In pairs or small groups, discuss and list the "Top 3 things a city must do to welcome newcomers." Be ready to share one of your ideas with the class.
Input: The EU's New Plan
Read the following text, which explains the main ideas of the EU's new migration plan. As you read, identify at least three specific actions or mechanisms the plan includes to manage migration.
The European Parliament, where major policies like the migration pact are debated and passed.
Understanding the EU Pact on Migration & Asylum
In 2024, the European Union (EU) finalized a new set of rules called the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The goal is to create a more predictable and fair system for managing the arrival of asylum seekers and migrants. Before this pact, each country often had its own approach, which led to confusion and pressure on border nations like Italy and Greece. The new rules, which will be fully active from 2026, aim to make sure all 27 member countries share the responsibility.
Here are some of the key mechanisms:
- Mandatory Screening: When someone arrives at an EU border without permission, they will undergo a new pre-entry screening process. This happens quickly, within seven days. The screening checks the person's identity, health, and security risks. The goal is to quickly understand who is arriving.
- Faster Border Procedures: After screening, some people will enter a specific border procedure. This is for individuals who are less likely to be granted asylum (for example, if they come from a country considered safe). This procedure is designed to be fast, resulting in a decision to either grant protection or issue a return order within a few months.
- A System of Solidarity: This is perhaps the biggest change. Countries on the EU's external borders often receive the most asylum seekers. The new pact says other member states must help. They have two choices. On the one hand, they can accept a certain number of asylum seekers from a border country, which is called relocation. On the other hand, if a country doesn't want to accept people, it can provide other forms of support. This could be a financial contribution (paying money) or sending equipment and staff. As a result of this system, the pressure is shared more evenly across the union. This principle of shared responsibility is called solidarity.
The pact is a complex compromise. Some groups believe it improves the system, while others worry it will make conditions more difficult for vulnerable people.
Vocabulary
Here are some key terms from the reading.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Screening (noun) | The process of examining people to get information (e.g., identity, health). | The new rules include a seven-day screening at the border. |
| Border procedure (noun phrase) | The official steps and rules for handling an asylum claim at a country's border. | Applicants from safe countries may have a faster border procedure. |
| Relocation (noun) | The act of moving someone (in this case, an asylum seeker) to a different place or country. | France agreed to the relocation of 500 asylum seekers from Italy. |
| Solidarity (noun) | Support and unity between members of a group, where they share responsibilities. | The pact is based on the principle of solidarity among EU members. |
Language Focus: Explaining Your Reasoning
When discussing complex topics like migration policy, it's important to explain causes and effects, and to show you understand different sides of an argument.
Cause and Effect
We use specific words to connect an action or situation (the cause) with its result (the effect).
As a result / Consequently / Therefore: These are often used at the beginning of a sentence to show a logical conclusion.
Border countries received a very high number of migrants. As a result, their social services were under extreme pressure.
The new rules require mandatory screening. Therefore, officials can gather information more quickly.
Balancing Language
To show you are considering two different or opposing ideas, you can use balancing language.
On the one hand... On the other hand...: This structure is perfect for presenting two sides of an issue.
On the one hand, relocating people helps share the responsibility across all countries. On the other hand, some countries may not have the resources to welcome them properly.
Scenario Game: The Solidarity Pact in Action
Group Task (25 minutes)
Your teacher will divide you into teams. Each team represents the city council of a fictional EU city. A nearby border country has received 10,000 asylum seekers and is asking for solidarity from other EU members.
Your city has been asked to help with 500 of these asylum seekers. Your task is to decide your city's contribution. Click on your team's tab below to see your city profile and start planning.
Instructions Team 1: Amora Team 2: Veridia Team 3: Ironfield Team 4: Sunhaven
Your Task
After reading your city's profile, discuss with your team and decide on a plan. You must choose one of the following options:
- Option A (Relocation): Accept a number of people (up to 500).
- Option B (Contribution): Pay a financial contribution instead of accepting people. The cost is €20,000 per person not accepted.
- Option C (Hybrid): A mix of both. For example, accept 200 people and pay for the other 300 (€6 million).
Prepare to defend your decision using balancing language ("On the one hand...") and cause-effect language ("Therefore...").
Team 1 Profile: Port Amora
Economy: Strong, with many jobs in tourism and shipping.
Services: Schools and clinics are already at 100% capacity. There is no extra space.
Housing: A major housing shortage; rent is very high.
Team 2 Profile: Veridia
Economy: Weak, with high unemployment. Few job openings.
Services: Schools and clinics have plenty of space.
Housing: Many empty apartments are available at a low cost.
Team 3 Profile: Ironfield
Economy: Stable, with a need for workers in manufacturing and construction.
Services: Schools and clinics are moderately full (around 75% capacity).
Housing: Some housing is available, but it needs repairs.
Team 4 Profile: Sunhaven
Economy: Based on seasonal agriculture; many jobs available for 6 months of the year.
Services: Basic services are available but are stretched thin during the busy season.
Housing: Plentiful temporary housing for workers, but very little permanent housing.
Lightning Briefs
Present Your Plan (15 minutes)
Each team will give a 60-second briefing to the class. Present your city's decision and your main reasons.
- Start by stating your final choice (e.g., "We have decided to accept 100 people and provide a financial contribution for the remaining 400.")
- Give 1-2 key reasons, using the language from this lesson.
- Briefly state what you would do in the first month and the first year to implement your plan.
Exit: Final Thought
Think about everything we have discussed today. In one sentence, what do you believe is the most important responsibility a host city has towards newcomers?