LÉ Róisín Rescues 371* Migrants in Three Separate Search and Rescue Operations 37 Nautical Miles NW of Tripoli by Irish Defence Forces is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Migrant Rescue by Coast Guard News is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In recent years, the migration route through the central Mediterranean has grown increasingly more common.  As Malta and the Italian island of Lampedusa are appear close to the borders of Libya and Tunisia, many migrants view them as the perfect places for landing. However, lying right below the seemingly perfect exterior, is the truth of the danger that really does exist. Before leaving their homes, migrants are trapped in countries where violence is high and corrupt governments thrive in the mist of chaos. To escape such disasters, the migrants use the help of smugglers to get them across the Mediterranean. However, to make the journey, dozens of migrants are crammed onto small dinghies. However, a large majority of the time, the boats do not make it close to the Italian border that they desire. Only with the help of rescue missions are some migrants able to be saved.

Despite the best efforts of many organizations, the rescue efforts are not enough to save a majority of the people that decide to flee their countries for a better life. Those that are able to make it to Italy or any other surrounding country often do not live glamorous lives. Many people want to gain asylum in richer countries, and therefore refuse to apply while they are living and working in the border countries. To be able to work without asylum granted, migrants must work low-paying jobs that Italians do not want to take. However, despite the ill-feelings of many Italian natives toward immigrants, they could hold the key to revamping the Italian economy and age structure. All that is needed is a safe way of travel for these migrants, one that will not lead to the death of thousands of people that desire to have a better life.

About the Author

Jenna Kibler is a first-year student at Gettysburg College, but is originally from Lumberton, New Jersey. She plans to major in biology and graduate with the class of 2020. Following her undergraduate studies, she intends to attend graduate school to become a veterinarian. This project was completed as a final assignment for the First-Year Seminar class, Migration: Then and Now.