Immigration from Africa to Europe is not a new phenomenon. In fact, people of African descent have been living in Europe for centuries, pre-dating the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Yet, as economies worsen throughout the world and the livelihoods of impoverished individuals continue to deteriorate, waves of Africans have migrated to Europe in search of better lives and opportunities. Of all European Union member states, Spain, arguably, has the most liberal immigration policies, allowing thousands of African immigrants into the country each year. That being said, the migration management system Spain has adopted for the many people who make the treacherous journey between Africa and Europe by boat casts doubt on its seemingly lenient immigration policies. These people often find themselves detained or deported after reaching the shores of Spain rather than having repatriation options.
