Introduction
Migration is one of the most burning global issues in the twenty-first century. Migration is caused by different factors and can have different consequences for stakeholders. According to Castles (2000), the rate of global migration has increased considerably in the beginning of the twentieth century. Admittedly, recent military conflicts and economic crises have intensified migration. Some claim that migration often has negative impact on the host country (Das, 2013). Though, others argue that migration is an inevitable process that leads to development of the humanity (Castles, 2000). The majority of governments share the former viewpoint and this affects policies introduced. Admittedly, it is essential to define the impact of migration and consider possible policies to introduce.
Types and Causes of Migration
To understand the impact migration has on societies, it is essential to understand the nature of the phenomenon. It is necessary to consider types of migration. Notably, migration is not a mere crossing of a border, but going to another country and trying to settle down on a new place. Castles (2000) states that different scholars as well as officials define different types of migration and he stresses that these classifications are influenced by internal policies and beliefs concerning migration.
The classification used by the US government reflects major types of international migrants: temporary labour migrants, highly skilled and irregular migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, family members and return migrants, forced migration (Castles, 2000, pp. 270-271). Temporary labour (as well as highly skilled and irregular) migrants seek for better job opportunities in a host country. Remarkably, highly skilled migrants are often invited (enticed, so-to-speak) while temporary labour and irregular migrants are unwelcome.
As far as causes of migration are concerned, it has always been caused by external factors. Natural disasters, wars and conflicts have made people leave their homeland. In the pre-historic times, migration was caused by the lack of resources (Castles, 2000). People left some territories striving for new areas which could be suitable for life. It is necessary to note that natural disasters (such as droughts, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) have been common causes for migration. When a territory becomes inappropriate for living, people leave and are ready to cross international boundaries.
When first societies had been formed, wars started which have caused migration of millions throughout centuries. Some of the most significant waves of migration were caused by the two World Wars (Castles, 2000). People were striving for peace and life. It is also necessary to note that various religious, cultural and political factors have caused migration. For instance, pursue of Jews made them cross borders of different countries for centuries. Religious intolerance led to migration to the New World.
Of course, economic reasons are still essential. Thus, when it came to the migration of Europeans to the New World, people were driven by the desire to find new opportunities (Castles, 2000). Clearly, there are many reasons for migration and they must be taken into account when dealing with migrants. Apart from reasons for migration, it is crucial to understand reasons why people oppose or support it to be able to introduce proper policies.
What People and Officials Think about Migration
Negative Attitude towards Migration
In the first place, it is necessary to consider negative attitude towards migration. People living in host countries oppose most. They claim that newcomers can negatively affect economic balance in the country as resources are not limitless (Das, 2013). Das (2013) argues that high rate of immigration can lead to economic constraints and, as a result, to political and social instability. People in host countries are afraid of emigration as they think emigrants will take up their jobs and, thus, their future.
Positive Attitude towards Migration
However, a lot of people believe that these fears are rather groundless. Scholars argue that one of the reasons for migration is disproportional distribution of resources in the world (Castles, 2000). Therefore, host countries, which are usually more prosperous, have more resources. Thus, these resources should be enough for all newcomers as well. This is one of the major arguments in favour of migration.
Besides, immigration often positively affects economic situation in some regions. For instance, Das (2013) notes that immigrants have contributed significantly to development of agricultural sector of Assam. More so, people claim that no one can be sure in the future and people may find themselves in difficult situations as natural disasters can occur in well-to-do countries, too. Therefore, humans should support each other for the good of all. Admittedly, positive consequences of migration outweigh possible (and doubtful) negative ones.
Policies Introduced by Governments of Host Countries
It is necessary to note that the majority of host countries try to curb immigration (Castles, 2000). As has been mentioned above, there is certain lack of regulatory policies for international migration. There are two major conventions which address issues concerning migration. These are “ILO Conventions No. 97 of 1949 and No. 143 of 1975” and “1990 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of their Families” (Castles, 2000, p. 277). These regulations are quite comprehensive and can help many countries deal with migration. However, these conventions are ratified in few countries. It is also necessary to note that many countries have regulations which aim at reducing the rate of immigrants within their boundaries (Castles, 2000). However, such policies do not address the problem as these policies are ineffective. People still cross the borders of major host countries illegally.
Possible Policies to Introduce
Admittedly, uncontrolled migration can have negative effects. It is not a secret that illegal immigrants are sometimes involved into wrongful activities as they are forced to do so. Therefore, it is crucial to diminish the rate of illegal immigrants. One of the best ways to do this is to introduce global regulatory framework which will be able to control international migration (Castles, 2000). Thus, host countries as well as emigration countries should develop set of regulations.
It can be beneficial to create an international body which will have the necessary powers to control migration flows, so-to-speak. This body should have the right to authorize people to cross borders. Moreover, the immigrants should be headed to the territories where these people can find work and appropriate conditions for life. Many countries have areas which are appropriate for life, but which are almost uninhabited.
Thus, such an international body will help people control migration and distribution of resources. It is fruitless to curb migration as people will always seek for better conditions. If some regions are affected by a natural disaster which makes the life on the territory impossible, people should be placed to other territories where their labour can be beneficial. Admittedly, this sounds like something unreal as many people can oppose such policies. Nonetheless, people can be educated and explained that they actually benefit from such regulatory framework. It is necessary to provide a specific plan that will reflect the role immigrants will play, the work they will complete the area they will inhabit. People should also be provided with certain figures illustrating possible benefits of such distribution of human resources.
Globalization is not a topic of discussion. It is an on-going process which is changing the world. It is time to accept the change and understand that people are responsible for the entire planet and the entire human society, not only their countries. It is time for people to learn to truly cooperate internationally.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is possible to note that migration is a part of the history of humanity as people have crossed borders of countries throughout centuries. It is also evident that two opposing views on the matter persist. People who oppose immigration focus on the fear that immigrants will seize the resources which are scarce. Those who support migration claim that immigration can be beneficial if properly controlled. Even though the two camps seem to be unable to agree, they both claim that the issue is urgent and needs solutions. Admittedly, the issue needs careful and thorough consideration. One of possible solution is the creation of an international body which could control migration and distribution of resources. Science fiction books and films often describe the society of the future as a unified society with no borders. This may sound like something utopian, but it can be the only way out for humanity which is facing really difficult environmental and social issues.
Reference List
Castles, S. (2000). International migration at the beginning of the twenty-first century: Global trends and issues. International Social Science Journal, 52(165), 269–281.
Das, A.K. (2013). Migration and its socio-economic consequences in Assam. International Journal in Economics & Social Sciences, 3(2), 105-111.