Emigration is no longer a solution; it's a defeat. People are risking death, drowning every day, but they're knocking on doors that are not open.

In this quote, Tahar Ben Jelloun, a Moroccan-French author, reflects on the harsh realities of emigration in the modern world. He states that emigration has shifted from being a hopeful opportunity to a defeat, as people seeking a better life are increasingly facing danger and rejection. This suggests that the dream of a better life in another country, once seen as a solution to poverty or political strife, is now fraught with peril and often leads to a dead end. The idea that emigration is a "defeat" highlights the disillusionment many feel when their hopes for a new beginning are met with hostility or indifference.

The mention of people "risking death" and "drowning every day" underscores the extreme lengths to which migrants are going to reach safer shores or better opportunities. This reference brings to light the dangerous and often tragic journeys undertaken by migrants who attempt to cross seas or borders in makeshift boats, facing the possibility of death. These perilous crossings are a direct consequence of closed borders, where countries often reject migrants seeking asylum or a better life.

Jelloun’s statement also critiques the unwelcoming stance of many Western nations toward immigration, where doors that once might have been open to newcomers are now shut, leaving migrants stranded. His words suggest that the global political climate has shifted, with increasing nationalism and a growing reluctance to accept migrants. The image of knocking on doors that are "not open" reflects the growing sense of frustration and rejection that many migrants experience as they try to build a future in foreign lands.

The origin of this quote reflects Jelloun’s long-standing exploration of themes related to identity, migration, and the struggles of individuals caught between cultures. As a writer who himself hails from Morocco, Jelloun is deeply aware of the challenges faced by immigrants and often incorporates these experiences into his work. Through this quote, he underscores the human cost of emigration and the failure of many countries to offer the hope and refuge that migrants seek.