The Question of Asylum and Illegal Migration in European Union-Turkish Relations

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US, the question of illegal migration & asylum has reemerged at the top of the agenda of many European Union member countries. Hearing of the capture of a boat or a container full of illegal immigrants in Europe is almost a daily incident. There are also frequent stories in the international media referring to Turkey as a country at the center of illegal movements of people. Turkey finds itself located between regions of emigration & immigration. During the last few years, Turkey has become a country of transit for illegal migration as well as a country of destination, as some of these migrants choose to stay on in Turkey or become stranded. This article surveys Turkish government practice in the area of illegal migration & asylum & examines how the European Union policies impact & shape change in Turkish policy. 1 Table, 1 Figure. Adapted from the source document.