International Migration: Who, Where and Why?
An overview of international migration examines who migrates, why they leave, & where they go. Most people migrate to improve their living conditions; however, potential income gains must be viewed against such costs as differences in the cost of living between the country of origin & the destination country; direct costs related to the job search; & social costs resulting from separation from one's family & society. It is noted that the migrant stock in the world's population has remained stable at 2.3 percent & demographic forecasts suggest that fears about a dramatic increase in international migration are unfounded. Most international migrants go to neighboring countries & migration flows to developed regions, especially North America, have been the most pronounced since the 1960s. Although many migrants are uneducated & low-skilled, an increasing number of highly qualified people are fleeing from war, natural disaster, persecution, or economic misery. The economic effects of migration in both the receiving country & the country of origin are discussed, along with immigration policies intended to curb unwanted immigration. J. Lindroth