Alarmist anti-terrorism is dangerous as terrorism
Alarmism and irrational fears about migration lead to costly, ineffective policies and significant societal harm. Despite the shallow risk of foreign-born terrorism, alarmist rhetoric drives expensive and intrusive security measures, infringes on civil liberties, and undermines the economic benefits of migration. These policies force migrants into dangerous situations and exacerbate humanitarian crises. A rational, data-driven approach to migration is needed to balance security with compassion, ensuring societal stability and economic growth.
Alarmism and irrational fears surrounding migration have long distorted public perception and policy-making, often leading to costly and ineffective measures. The issue is not just the exaggeration of the threat posed by migrants but also the substantial harm such alarmism inflicts on societies and economies.
Alarmist rhetoric around migration often paints a dire picture of an imminent threat from migrants, particularly framing them as potential terrorists. This fear is largely unfounded. Historical data show that the likelihood of a foreign-born terrorist committing an attack in the United States is exceptionally low. From 1975 to 2023, only 230 foreign-born terrorists carried out attacks on U.S. soil, resulting in 3,046 deaths, with 98% of these fatalities occurring during the 9/11 attacks. This means the annual chance of being killed by a foreign-born terrorist is about one in 4.5 million. For context, the probability of being murdered in a non-terrorist incident is significantly higher.
Despite this, alarmist narratives have prompted policies prioritizing security over rational, data-driven approaches. This has led to numerous negative consequences. Firstly, there is a significant financial cost. Trillions of dollars have been spent on counterterrorism measures, foreign interventions, and increased border security, diverting resources from other critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Moreover, these policies often infringe on civil liberties. The hysteria following 9/11 saw a rise in ethnic profiling, mass surveillance, and violations of personal freedoms, disproportionately affecting minority communities. Such measures foster a climate of fear and suspicion, eroding trust in public institutions and dividing societies.
The economic impact of alarmism on migration cannot be overstated. Restrictive immigration policies driven by irrational fears undermine the economic benefits that migrants bring. Migrants contribute significantly to the economy through labor, innovation, and cultural diversity. By limiting immigration, countries lose out on these valuable contributions, stifling economic growth and innovation.
Alarmist policies also create dangerous conditions for migrants themselves. Increased border security and stringent immigration laws force migrants to take more dangerous routes, resulting in higher mortality rates and human rights abuses. Instead of providing safe and legal pathways for migration, alarmism pushes people into the hands of smugglers and traffickers, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
A rational approach to migration should involve nuanced, data-driven policies that address genuine security concerns without resorting to fear-mongering. Effective migration policies should balance security with compassion, recognizing migrants' humanity and potential. By fostering an environment of inclusion and understanding, societies can harness the benefits of migration while ensuring safety and stability.
