Immigration Control Measures and the Prevention of Illegal Immigration

Abstract

This study assessed the immigration control measures in preventing illegal immigration in Arusha City Council; A case of the Arusha Region immigration office. The problem addressed in this study was the illegal immigration. The Arusha Region immigration office is grappling with the challenge of illegal immigration, which not only undermines the integrity of immigration control measures but also poses threats to public safety and national security. The study was guided by the Deterrence Theory with three specific research objectives; which were to examine the entry requirements for foreigners as a measure to prevent illegal immigrants, to examine the efficacy of the immigration control measures in the prevention of illegal immigrants, and to examine challenges affecting the immigration control measures in prevention of illegal immigration in Arusha City Council. The study adopted an interpretivism research philosophy, a qualitative approach, and a case study research design. The target population was 145 individuals. Purposive sampling, a non-probability sampling technique was used to obtain 21 research participants. Data was collected by using interview guides and document analysis guides. The validity and reliability of data collection tools were ensured by IAA subject matter lectures and pilot testing for improvement. Data was analyzed through the thematic analysis technique. Regarding the entry requirements for foreigners, findings revealed careful verification process for foreigners involving document authentication, visa type checks, and travel detail cross-referencing to enhance security measures. With regard to the efficacy of the immigration control measures, findings revealed a significant reduction in illegal immigration due to enhanced border checks, increased surveillance, and improved documentation requirements. About challenges affecting the immigration control measures, findings revealed the significant impact of resource limitations including staffing shortages, budget constraints, and essential supply deficits; technology gaps hindering effective monitoring such as inadequate surveillance equipment, alongside cultural barriers like language disparities. Despite challenges like resource limitations, technology gaps, and cultural barriers, findings emphasized the necessity of advanced verification technologies, enhanced communication, and training programs to optimize immigration control. These understandings underscore the need for a holistic and adaptive approach to strengthen security enforcement and operational efficiency in immigration control efforts.