Bangladesh, June 6 -- The European Unions newly agreed migration framework has been hailed as a historic breakthrough. Supporters describe it as the toughest migration regime the bloc has ever adopted, a long-awaited response to growing public concerns over border security, illegal migration, and social cohesion. New rules will allow member states to transfer rejected asylum seekers to third countries under certain conditions and introduce stricter procedures for migrants deemed security risks. Across Europe, political leaders have presented the agreement as evidence that governments are finally regaining control of their borders.

Yet beneath the headlines and political declarations lies a more uncomfortable reality. The EUs latest migra...