Immigration. Lawyer says law is excessively restrictive

Ana Rita Gil criticized Portugal's immigration laws as overly restrictive and highlighted the judicialization of immigrants' interactions with public administration. In an interview marking the third anniversary of the AIMA, she noted that the lack of administrative response forces immigrants to seek judicial intervention, indicating a dysfunctional rule of law. While acknowledging AIMA's efforts to regularize many immigrants, she lamented the absence of effective communication channels. Gil also expressed concern over recent legislative changes that have made immigration policies more restrictive, contrasting Portugal's previous generosity with the current trend. She emphasized the need for leaders to address public concerns rationally rather than succumbing to populist rhetoric.