The recent protests in Paris and London confirm that illegal immigration has become a global challenge. While Europe faces urban violence and a loss of trust, the United States under Donald Trump positions itself as a benchmark for strict policies that many now see as necessary.
In recent months, the main capitals of the developed world have been the stage for social tensions, protests, and clashes related to illegal immigration. From Paris to London, passing through Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, the migration issue has become a breaking point in politics and the economy. It is no longer just a debate in the United States: today, the crackdown on illegal immigration is a global trend.
While in Europe thousands of demonstrators take to the streets denouncing migratory pressure, in the United States former President Donald Trump has turned his hardline policy into a model that is gaining increasing international support. The contrast is evident: cities that failed to control immigration face social disorder, violence, and a loss of economic confidence, while countries with stricter policies seek to consolidate stability and attract investment.
1. Europe Under Pressure: Protests and Urban Violence
France is one of the most illustrative cases. This very weekend, Paris saw massive marches against the government and against illegal immigration, with more than 200 arrests after clashes between demonstrators and police. The images show a country in turmoil, where uncontrolled migration has become a trigger for political crisis.
Spain, meanwhile, faces another side of the same problem: the combination of irregular immigration and the illegal occupation of homes (“okupas”), a phenomenon that has skyrocketed in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. In 2024, reports from the Ministry of the Interior indicated that more than 17,000 homes were illegally occupied across the country—an issue directly tied to weak border controls and the government’s lack of response.
The United Kingdom, which just a few years ago implemented Brexit with the promise of “regaining control of the borders,” remains trapped in the same tensions. In London, marches against illegal immigration have gathered thousands of citizens, reflecting discontent that goes beyond politics and also extends to the economy, employment, and everyday security.
2. Spain and the “Okupas” Problem
Spain is a paradigmatic case because it combines two crises in one: illegal migration and the rise of “okupas.” This practice, which consists of occupying homes without legal permission, affects both Spanish property owners and foreign investors who acquire real estate in the country.
The situation has reached an alarming level: according to official data, on average 47 new occupations are recorded every day in Spanish territory. And although not all squatters are illegal immigrants, the reality is that the phenomenon is closely linked to the lack of migration control and the permissiveness of the legal system.
For international investors, the message is clear: Spain no longer guarantees legal security over private property. In a country where the law takes months or even years to evict a squatter, and where the streets of major cities are marked by migration-related tension, confidence erodes quickly.
3. London and the Marches Against Illegal Immigration
The United Kingdom represents another example of how political promises of migration control often fall short in reality. Despite Brexit, which aimed to restrict the entry of foreigners, migration flows remain high, and citizen discontent has returned to the streets.
Recent images of marches in London show a divided population: on one side, those demanding greater border control; on the other, radicalized groups that exploit the chaos to confront police. The result is a climate of political and social instability that damages the country’s image in the eyes of global investors.
4. The U.S.: Trump as a Benchmark for Strict Migration Policy
Amid the chaos in Europe, the United States stands out as a case study. Former President Donald Trump turned the migration issue into the central axis of his political agenda, and although his rhetoric was criticized by opponents, today his “hardline” approach is seen by many as a necessary solution.
Trump’s proposals include:
- Construction of the border wall with Mexico.
- Tougher deportations for illegal immigrants with criminal records.
- Visa restrictions in sensitive areas.
- Incentives for a “legal, orderly, and merit-based” immigration system.
What once seemed like a uniquely American stance is now beginning to be replicated in Europe and other regions. Cities that failed to restrict immigration in time now face scenarios of violence, social chaos, and divestment.
5. Economic Impact: Where to Invest?
Illegal immigration affects not only security but also the economy. Cities overwhelmed by uncontrolled migration often experience:
- Higher local unemployment due to competition in low-wage jobs.
- Decline in investor confidence as instability is perceived.
- Urban decay, with entire neighborhoods marked by informality.
- Strain on public services such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
The question for international investors is inevitable:
Where should capital be placed?
- In countries that have become “a disaster” due to lax policies, like Spain with its squatter crisis and France with its violent protests.
- Or in economies that apply cleaner and more orderly policies, where migration control allows for stability, confidence, and growth.
6. Lessons for Asia and Vietnam
Although the current examples mainly come from Europe and the United States, developing countries such as Vietnam can draw valuable lessons. Vietnam’s economic growth depends largely on the confidence of foreign investors, and maintaining order and social stability is key to sustaining that trust.
By observing the European case, Vietnam can reinforce its message: strict migration control policies are an economic asset. A country that protects its borders and guarantees internal security offers a more attractive environment for business, education, and investment.
The scenes in Paris and London this past weekend are a mirror of the future awaiting countries that fail to act in time against illegal immigration. What first appears as a humanitarian challenge quickly becomes a social, political, and economic crisis.
The reality is clear:
- Illegal immigration disrupts cities.
- It weakens investor confidence.
- It erodes public safety.
That is precisely why Donald Trump’s policies—so criticized at the time—now emerge as a model of control and order that other countries are beginning to imitate.
In a world where stability is a prerequisite for development, investing only makes sense in economies that remain clean, firm, and secure. And that stability begins at the borders.
