14.1 Determinants and patterns of international migration

International migration is driven by economic, social, and political factors. Wage differentials, job opportunities, and family reunification are key motivators, while conflict and persecution force people to flee. These factors shape global migration patterns.

Top source countries like India and Mexico have large populations and economic push factors. Destination countries like the US and Germany attract migrants with strong economies and favorable policies. Regional patterns and immigration policies further influence migration flows and impacts.

Factors and Patterns of International Migration

Factors driving international migration

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• Economic factors
  • Wage differentials between countries incentivize workers to migrate for higher pay
  • Employment opportunities attract migrants seeking jobs (Gulf countries)
  • Poverty and income inequality push people to leave in search of better prospects
• Social factors
  • Family reunification allows immigrants to bring relatives to join them (US, Canada)
  • Access to education and healthcare draws migrants to countries with better services
  • Social networks and diaspora communities provide support and information for new arrivals (Turkish community in Germany)
• Political factors
  • Conflict, war, and persecution force people to flee their homes (Syrian refugees)
  • Political instability and repression drive migrants to seek safety elsewhere
  • Asylum and refugee policies determine where those fleeing can find protection (EU Dublin Regulation)

Patterns of international migration

• Top source countries
  • India, Mexico, China, and the Philippines have high emigration due to:
    • Large populations with many potential migrants
    • High unemployment and underemployment
    • Low wages compared to destination countries
• Top destination countries
  • United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Russia attract immigrants with:
    • Strong economies and abundant job opportunities
    • Higher wages and living standards than origin countries
    • Favorable immigration policies for certain groups (H-1B visas in US)
• Regional patterns emerge such as:
  • South-North migration from developing to developed countries (Mexico to US)
  • South-South migration between developing countries (Indonesia to Malaysia)
  • Intra-regional migration within free movement areas (Schengen zone in EU)

Impact of immigration policies

• Restrictive immigration policies aim to limit inflows through:
  • Quotas and caps on visas issued each year
  • Skill-based selection criteria favoring highly educated workers
  • Border enforcement and deportation of unauthorized immigrants
• Impact on migration flows
  • Reduced legal channels for migration push people to irregular means
  • Increased irregular migration as people circumvent official restrictions
  • Diversion of flows to alternative destinations with easier entry (US to Canada)
• Labor market effects vary:
  • Complementarity or substitution with native workers in different occupations
  • Wage effects on low-skilled and high-skilled workers depend on labor market conditions
  • Contribution to labor market flexibility and innovation through diverse skills

Types of migration

• Temporary migration includes:
  • Seasonal workers and temporary foreign worker programs (H-2A visas for agriculture)
  • International students and exchange visitors pursuing education abroad
  • Short-term business and tourist visas for work and leisure travel
• Permanent migration encompasses:
  • Family-based immigration for reunification with relatives
  • Employment-based immigration for long-term work (green cards in US)
  • Humanitarian migration for refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing persecution
• Circular migration involves:
  • Repeated temporary moves between origin and destination countries
  • Allows for skill transfer and investment in home countries through remittances
  • Challenges in maintaining legal status and social ties during frequent moves