Aspects of Migration 3104
Aspects of Migration 3104
What is migration?
The word migration comes from the Latin verb “migrare” which means "to move from one place
to another”.Migration refers to the movement of individuals or groups of people from one place
to another, typically across regional, national, or international borders. This movement can be
temporary or permanent and may occur for various reasons, such as economic opportunities,
better living conditions, escape from conflict or persecution, or to be with family.
Aspects of migration:
Migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by a multitude of factors, including
economic, social, political, environmental, and personal reasons. Here are some key
aspects to consider when examining migration:
Categories of Migration:
Depending on the goal and reason for relocation, migrants can be divided into three
categories- migrant, refugee and asylum seekers.
Migrant:A person who moves away from his or her place of usual residence, whether within a
country or across an international border, temporarily or permanently, and for a variety of
reasons.Migrants are not forced to leave their native countries because of persecution or
violence.
Refugee:A refugee is a person who has fled their own country because they are at risk of
serious human rights violations and persecution there.
Asylum seekers:An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking
protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who
hasn’t yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their
asylum claim.
The causes of migration generally are categorized as push and pull factors.
Push Factor:These are reasons for leaving a place, which is called emigrating, because of
certain difficulties like food shortage, war, flood, calamities, etc.
Pull Factor:These are reasons for moving into a place, which is called immigrating, because of
an aspiration, dream, or something desirable like abundance in food supply, a better climate,
more freedom, etc
Environmental cause:
Environmental factors that lead an area to be inhospitable or undesirable include natural
disasters, famine, drought, or anything caused by nature that would drive someone to leave a
place or go to another one. Environmental factors such as natural beauty, a safe place, or a
favorable climate pull people to a particular environment
For example,the horn of Africa has been experiencing its worst drought in 40 years over the
last five years, driving many to flee.
Political causes:
Political causes of migration can include conflict, war, oppression, lack of liberty, and loss of
human rights. Pull factors, on the other hand, could be things such as more human rights, social
services provided by the government, a desire for liberty and equality, and the presence of
strong institutions that protect rights and do not tolerate corruption.
For example,over the last several years in Myanmar, the Rohingya minority has been
oppressed and suffered a lack of liberty and genocide. As of October 2022, there are more than
900,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh near the border with Myanmar.
Economic Causes:
Economic causes of migration are a big reason for voluntary migration. Economic factors can be
anything that would improve someone's economic status, such as leaving an area because of
high unemployment or relocating to a country or area that has opportunities in a certain industry.
Broader reasons for migrating that improve socioeconomic status might be access to better
education, personal connections, or leaving the corrupt business culture of an area.
Cultural cause:
The cultural cause of migration is persecution or discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or
political beliefs.
For example, the Jewish diaspora throughout history, including the Holocaust, forced many
Jews to flee their homes due to cultural persecution.
Types of Migration:
1. Considering the Place of Origin and Destination of Migrants
a) Internal Migration
People moving about inside the borders of a nation or state. A shift of residence within a state,
region, city, or municipality is referred to as internal migration.
Internal migration is additionally classified into four types:
Rural to Urban Migration (R-U): The movement of population from rural areas to the nearby
towns and cities mainly in search of better livelihood and standard of living, i.e., employment,
education, and recreation facilities.
Rural to Rural Migration (R-R): Mostly agricultural workers, because of marriages, and
sometimes looking for land for cultivation.
b) International Migration
This indicates that people are relocating across international borders. An international migrant is
a person who relocates to a different nation. International migrants are additionally classified as:
Legal Immigrants: Legal immigrants are the individuals who moved with the lawful authority of
the beneficiary country.
Unlawful Immigrants: Unlawful immigrants are individuals who moved without lawful
authorization.
Refugees: Refugees are those who crossed a worldwide limit to get away from abuse.
Impacts of Migration:
Migration has an impact on the political, social, cultural, economic, and demographic sectors.
1. Economic Growth
Both internal and international migrants’ contributions are very beneficial to the areas from
which they have moved. The funds are utilized for a variety of purposes, including purchasing
food, paying off debt, getting married, treating illnesses, educating kids, building homes, and
more. Conversely, uncontrolled migration to India’s urban areas results in undesirable
population density increases and overpopulation.
4. Environmental Consequences
Migration from rural areas strains the social and physical infrastructure already in place and
results in urban overpopulation. Slums and unplanned settlements grow. In certain places,
over-exploitation of natural resources causes pollution and resource depletion.
5. Cultural Exchange
Migration leads to the exchange of cultures. When people move to a new place, they bring their
traditions, languages, and customs. This cultural diversity enriches the local culture and creates
a melting pot of traditions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, migration is a multifaceted and dynamic phenomenon that encompasses
various aspects, including its causes, types, and impacts on societies worldwide. From
economic opportunities to political persecution, individuals and groups move across
borders seeking better lives or refuge. Despite presenting challenges such as strain on
resources and cultural integration, migration offers opportunities for development and
diversity.