Israel expels 120 South Sudanese as part of campaign to reduce number of illegal immigrants

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"Israel was forcing 120 South Sudanese to leave the country on Sunday, starting what could develop into deportation of thousands of unauthorized African migrants who have poured into the Jewish state.

Some 60,000 impoverished Africans, most from Eritrea and Sudan, have slipped into Israel across its southern border with Egypt since 2005, fleeing repressive regimes and seeking work. The influx has caused friction with Israeli locals, and several incidents recently turned violent.

Authorities, alarmed by the swelling numbers, say the migrants are a burden on the economy and threaten to undermine Israel’s Jewish character.

Facing a public uproar, the government launched a campaign last week to round up and expel migrants from South Sudan and other countries that have friendly relations with Israel, and therefore would be expected to treat returning citizens well. Israel is offering a monetary incentive to migrants to leave voluntarily.

In all, it hopes to expel 4,500 Africans."

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