The 'European dream' /mritems/Images/2011/8/7/201187151357760621_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/20118611202108360_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186111331772734_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112314893621_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112044468371_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112125469734_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112559537580_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112720851360_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112842696371_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112210267580_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/20118611146664580_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112511348734_8.jpg;*;/mritems/Images/2011/8/6/201186112410316734_8.jpg As the closest European country to the African continent, Spain is on the frontline for illegal migration [GALLO/GETTY];*;Many Africans are risking their lives crossing the sea to Europe in overcrowded, small boats, often arranged by human smugglers [GALLO/GETTY] ;*;Spain(***)s enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in northern Morocco are initial targets for many migrants: once detained they can be expelled, repatriated or sent to mainland Spain, where many are reported to be released, pending expulsion[GALLO/GETTY];*;In 2006 Spain received almost half of the EU(***)s total migrants [GALLO/GETTY];*;Spain is struggling to accommodate immigrants from Africa and has asked the European Union for an increase in funds to secure its borders [GALLO/GETTY] ;*;France has a stricter approach to immigration than other European countries and has even offered legal immigrants financial incentives to go back to Africa [GALLO/GETTY];*;According to UNHCR Spain received the most asylum applications from Cuba, followed by Nigeria, Algeria, Guinea and Cameroon in 2010 [GALLO/GETTY];*;Spain has tried to forge broad bilateral accords with African countries that would exchange repatriation for funding to help the returned migrants, but the initiative has been criticised [GALLO/GETTY];*;For many migrants in search for a better life in Europe, reality often turns out to be a disappointment [GALLO/GETTY];*;Many migrants live and work in detention centres for months, waiting for their residence permits [GALLO/GETTY] ;*;The EU has been criticised by groups such as the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) for the EU refugee policy being so strict that it creates a "fortress Europe" barricading itself against people in need [GALLO/GETTY];*;Having migrated, many migrants are expected to send money home to the family they have left behind [GALLO/GETTY];*;The responsibility to earn money and send it back home is a heavy burden for African migrants in Europe struggling to find a job [GALLO/GETTY] 0