Causes of Illegal Immigrants and its Impacts on Prosperity of East Africa Community (EAC).

Abstract

This Study investigates the causes of Illegal Immigrants and Its Impacts on Prosperity of East Africa Community the Case of Dar Es Salaam Region. The study is guided by three objectives namely; to identify the drivers of illegal immigration in the EAC member states; to analyze the economic, social, and political impacts of illegal immigration on the EAC member states; to recommend policy interventions to mitigate the economic, social, and political effects of illegal immigration on the EAC member states. This study employed a cross-sectional research methodology. The study will adopt a mixed-method approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. In selection of sample, the study employed purposive and convenience sampling methods. In data collection, the study used a mixed-methods approach was utilized for data collection. In analyzing data, by the use of SPSS, descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages was computed. While using data from key informant interviews, content analysis was performed to examine qualitative data. In general, the qualitative data was added to the quantitative data collected by the questionnaire in this study. The findings from this study indicated that, about majority of respondents had completed secondary education others attained diploma. The findings from this study show that, Economic Disparities, Political instability and conflict in some EAC member states, Porosity of Borders as well as human trafficking networks and smuggling operations exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking a better life or escaping peril. It is important to recommend policy to mitigate these because, unaddressed illegal immigration may cause tensions and conflicts between host communities and immigrants. Furthermore, since illegal immigration is a multifaceted issue with economic, social, and political dimensions that impact nations worldwide. It is recommended that; effective border security measures can help mitigate the challenges associated with illegal immigration and contribute to more comprehensive solutions, on top of that, since East Africa, comprising multiple countries with diverse economies, is grappling with challenges related to illegal immigration. Addressing this issue effectively requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the critical role of economic integration.