Abstract:
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ABSTRACT
Illegal immigration refers to the movement of individuals across national borders in
violation of the immigration laws and regulations of the destination country. This study
aimed to assess the effect of illegal immigration on national security in Tanzania,
focusing on the Arusha City Council. The specific objectives included identifying
prevalent forms of illegal immigration, evaluating their socio-economic impacts on
national security, and proposing strategies to combat the issue. Adopting a pragmatic
philosophy, the study employed a mixed research approach and a case study research
design. The population consisted of 85 individuals from immigration offices and local
administrative bodies. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling. Data
collection involved closed-ended questionnaires, interviews, and document review.
Descriptive statistics and content analysis were utilized for data analysis. The study
revealed various forms of illegal immigration in Arusha City Council, such as border
crossings without proper documentation and visa overstays. It also highlighted the
strain on public services and economic stability caused by illegal immigration.
Effective strategies suggested included enhancing border control and imposing
penalties on employers hiring illegal immigrants. This concludes that illegal
immigration in Arusha City Council occurs through undocumented entries, visa
overstays, and fraudulent documents, straining public services, increasing job
competition, and depressing wages. Furthermore, the study recommended
comparative research across different regions to better understand the nuances of
illegal immigration and its consequences
