Negative Social Impacts of Illegal Immigration and Its Relationship to Human Trafficking: A Field Study in the Municipality of Darj and Neighboring Areas

Abstract

This study investigates the negative social impacts of illegal immigration and its direct relationship with human trafficking within the municipality of Darj and its adjacent border regions in Libya. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study utilizes the functionalist theory as an interpretive framework to examine how structural imbalances in economic, security, and social functions create fertile environments for criminal networks and human exploitation. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to a purposive sample of 38 respondents representing various governmental, security, and social institutions in the study area. The findings reveal that illegal immigration significantly exacerbates human trafficking, labor exploitation, and security vulnerabilities, driven primarily by poverty, geographical proximity to smuggling routes, and weak local regulatory enforcement. The study concludes with practical recommendations emphasizing the need for enhanced community intervention strategies, tighter border security, and comprehensive social support frameworks to mitigate these phenomena.