Mixed reactions to Finland’s new ‘expulsion law’ targeting illegal immigration along eastern border

The approval of the so-called ‘expulsion law’ in the Finnish Parliament has received mixed reactions in the municipalities along Finland’s eastern border. The law was passed today with a vote of 167 in favour and 31 against. Sanna Koskenranta, chair of the Lappeenranta City Council, states that the outcome of the vote was expected based on public discussion. She emphasized that any measures that can enhance people’s sense of security are important and that this was a significant factor in the discussion and outcome surrounding the law.

The expulsion law is an exceptional law designed to combat illegal immigration along Finland’s eastern border. The law allows for the interruption of asylum applications if Russian authorities direct migrants towards Finland.

In Kainuu, Juhana Juntunen, Mayor of Kuhmo, describes the approval of the expulsion law as a relief, noting that the law increases the sense of security among the city’s residents. He believes that the improvement in the feeling of safety is crucial and will allow residents to live more carefree lives.

In Lappeenranta, many residents are hoping for the reopening of the border. Koskenranta states that people are hoping for things to return to normal, where, for example, the Russians living in Lappeenranta can interact with their relatives on the other side of the border.

However, there are also differing opinions about the expulsion law among residents. Jaakko Pikkarainen, a resident of Nurmes visiting Kuhmo, believes the law is unnecessary and difficult to implement in practice. On the other hand, Ritva Komulainen, a resident of Kuhmo, describes the law as providing peace of mind, even though she does not see it having an impact on her life otherwise.

There are also fears about the reopening of the border. Matti Suhonen, a resident of Lappeenranta, approves of the expulsion law and believes that the border should remain closed. Sanna Immonen, another resident of Lappeenranta, has a mixed view about reopening the border. She acknowledges the economic benefits of the border opening to shoppers but also expresses concerns about unknown elements that could come across the border.