During the past decade, the increase in illegal immigration has become a worldwide phenomenon and a serious problem for many governments and societies. The problem results from a combination of poverty, economic crises, and war, and from the lure of a more secure life in countries believed to offer employment and social welfare benefits to all who can pay for the cost of travel. Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the Kalingrad District of the Russian Federation have become primary transit countries, while Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland have become destination countries. The best methods for combating alien smuggling and uncontrolled migration are through the revision and enforcement of national and international legislation and the improvement in the capacity and coordination of police, customs, coast guard, and border units on both national and regional levels. During the 1990's the affected countries have made bilateral agreements. The United Nations also recognizes the problem and has issued statements and reports supporting more effective and coordinated cooperation at the international, regional, and national levels. 32 references