An Introduction to Migration Hemispheres: The International Outreach Consortium at the University of Texas at Austin

Migration is Global In 2005, 191 million people were counted as living outside the country of their birth The number of migrants worldwide has doubled since World War II If they lived in the same place, international migrants would form the 5th most populous country in the world

Migration is Global Source: United Nations Population Division. Trends in Total Migrant Stock, 2005 Revision. p 11.

Push and Pull Factors Push Factors: Reasons why people want to migrate from a place (factors that push them away). Essential question: what makes someone want to leave the place they are living?

Push and Pull Factors Pull Factors: Reasons why people want to migrate to a place (factors that pull them in). Essential question: what makes someone want to move to a specific place?

Why Do People Migrate? 1.Economic Forces 2.Political Forces 3.Social Forces 4.Environmental Forces Many times, more than one of these factors is involved.

Economic Causes of Migration Poor economic conditions Overpopulation Poor climate conditions and/or natural disasters

Political Causes of Migration War, invasion, military takeover, etc. Escape from persecution on ethnic, political, religious, or other grounds Escape from prosecution for crimes committed

Political Causes of Migration Punishment for crime Enslavement Political Agreement

Social Causes of Migration Spreading a religion, political movement or philosophy Reuniting with family, friends, etc. who have previously migrated Seeking more personal freedom, not necessarily as the result of persecution

Environmental Causes of Migration Natural disasters: hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. Excessive or prolonged drought Climate change

What are the effects of migration? 1.Effects on the immigrants 2.Effects on the host country 3.Effects on the home country 4.Multi-national issues

Effects on the Immigrants Identity (the “hyphen” effect) Adaptation and assimilation Differing cultural values between generations

Effects on the Host Country Economic impacts – positive and negative – real and perceived Welfare issues Social attitudes

Effects on the Home Country Remittances Loss of revenue

Top 20 Remittance-Receiving Countries (by $ amount) Source: World Bank. Global Economic Prospects 2006: Economic Implications of Remittances and Migration. 90.

Top 20 Remittance-Receiving Countries (by % of GDP) Source: World Bank. Global Economic Prospects 2006: Economic Implications of Remittances and Migration. 90.

Effects on the Home Country Families left behind “Brain drain” Population decrease

Multi-National Issues “Open border” policies Immigration policies Security issues Human trafficking/slavery

Human Trafficking