International Migration Standard Grade Geography International Issues

International Migration A county grows in population through births and immigration. A country loses people through deaths and emigration. When people move from one country to another it is called international migration.

Reasons for voluntary migration In any country it is common to have immigrants and emigrants. Britain Europe North America Australia Emigration Europe India Pakistan Immigration

One of the most common types of migration in recent years has been from LEDC’s to MEDC’s. Push factorsPull factors Migration from LEDC’s to MEDC’s What sort of push and pull factors do you think would influence people to move? What sort of push and pull factors do you think would influence people to move?

One of the most common types of migration in recent years has been from LEDC’s to MEDC’s. Brighter lights of city Medical care Better housing Education Family links Better service Job opportunities Shortage of food Poor infrastructure Natural disasters Few opportunities Political fears Wars Unhappy life Push factorsPull factors

Effects of international migration For the ‘losing’ country It loses many year olds and their children, so the population rises less quickly. It needs to provide fewer jobs and services and less food. It can cause family break-ups as it is often just the male who migrates. People who move away may send money back home.

Effects of international migration For the ‘gaining’ country It gains a bigger often cheaper labour force It needs to provide more services for extra people Immigrants sometimes set up shanty towns in the cities It receives new ideas and cultures Sometime international migration can lead to racial or religious conflict within the country

Migration may not always be voluntary. Remember we discussed forced migration. What were some of the examples we looked at?

Your turn: Turn to page 60 of the International Issues book. Answer Core questions 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10.

Why Migrate to America? Mexico to USA International Migration

The American Dream The United States has much to offer migrants. Many opportunities High standard of living Attractive way of life One of the wealthiest places in the world Jobs are readily available Education is good Healthcare is excellent

Why migrate to America? For people living in the world’s poorer countries, the USA is very attractive. Since 1940 many Mexican have migrated northwards to the USA. Most migrants go to America in search of work and the chance to earn money. They hope to rid themselves of the poverty and unemployment of Mexico.

Why migrate to America?

Mexico Urban – Rural Migration

How many Mexicans cross the border each year without permission? 2 million

Types of Migrant Many Mexicans now live permanently in the USA but some stay there only on a temporary basis (temporary migrants). Others cross the border every day to work then return home at night. These people are called migrant workers.

What sort of work do migrants do? Most migrants do unskilled and low paid work. But even in these occupation they can earn more in a month than they could in a full year in Mexico. Eg: farm work, food processing factories, construction projects, hotel and restaurant work.

Truth and Reality

Reasons for and against migration