Immigrants

Migration is as old as humanity itself – and instead of being a scourge, it may well be humanity's greatest asset.

1. Migration has been constant throughout history

The movement of people across borders isn’t new. Since humans first emerged, they’ve been on the move, starting from Africa and spreading across the world. This continuous process has transformed nations and cultures throughout history. Migration accelerated during the 19th century with advancements like the steam engine, making distance less of a barrier and enabling large migrations from Europe to the Americas.

By the 20th century, however, a new pattern emerged. Instead of people moving within or between developed countries, migration shifted predominantly from developing countries to developed ones. Some perceive this as a threat, conjuring up fears of overwhelming “mass migrations,” yet migration remains a relatively small-scale occurrence in comparison to the global population.

Emigration is also a human right. Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees every individual the right to leave their country. Migration is not merely an economic or demographic issue but deeply tied to personal freedoms and the aspirations of people seeking better lives.

Examples

• The nineteenth-century wave of Europeans seeking opportunity across the Americas.
• Article 13’s emphasis on freedom of movement as fundamental to human dignity.
• Modern migration flows being relatively limited compared to global population sizes.

2. Policies restricting migration are damaging and unethical

Efforts to prevent migration are not only wrong but come with tragic consequences. Endless border controls or barriers prevent people from exercising their basic rights, while also subjecting many to extreme dangers. Death tolls at the US-Mexican border exemplify this, with thousands losing their lives annually in attempts to cross.

Restrictive policies force many hopeful migrants into illegality and exploitation. Without proper documentation, they are pushed into low-paying, unregulated jobs where employers exploit their vulnerability. These migrants can't advocate for fair pay, safe conditions, or healthcare due to fear of deportation.

Equating migration with societal decay often reflects racist assumptions. While issues such as crime or poverty can emerge in any society, associating these problems broadly with migration ignores evidence and perpetuates discrimination. When societies recognize migrants as contributors rather than threats, they alleviate harm and foster inclusivity.

Examples

• The grim comparison of death tolls between the Berlin Wall and US-Mexican border crossings.
• Exploitation of Polish migrants in UK's service sector due to lack of permits.
• How fear often stems from unfounded associations between migrants and crime.

3. Efforts to stop migration are expensive and ineffective

Attempting to halt migration has proven to be both futile and wasteful. Governments spend billions to fortify borders, only to see migration numbers persist or even increase. For instance, despite the United States tripling its border patrols and quintupling its spending from 1993 to 2004, illegal immigration numbers hardly changed.

Migrants are remarkably resilient in their determination to improve their lives, often risking deserts, rivers, or dangerous sea crossings. These bold attempts underscore the reality that people are willing to overcome extreme obstacles in pursuit of opportunity.

Moreover, history shows that even small borders cannot be fully controlled. Spain’s enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, despite high fences and heavy patrols, see thousands of entrants annually. Absolute control over borders would require measures as extreme as minefields or machine guns, a dystopian implication.

Examples

• The persistence of illegal crossings despite the $3.8 billion spent by the US on border security in 2004.
• Migrant routes through deserts or across the Mediterranean.
• Spain’s heavily patrolled Moroccan enclaves still accommodating thousands of migrants.

4. Emigration benefits migrants’ home countries

Migration impacts not just the receiving nations but also contributes significantly to migrants’ home countries. For many migrants, sending "remittances" (money back home) supports relatives and fuels local economies, often amounting to billions of dollars in aid.

Contrary to fears of "brain drain," skilled workers often achieve more abroad than they could at home. Upon returning, they bring enhanced knowledge and experience that benefits their community. Nations with an oversupply of skilled workers, like nurses in Cuba or doctors in India, recognize that emigration balances economic and professional demand.

Some countries actively encourage migration. In the Philippines, for instance, emigrant workers are celebrated with national awards on Migrant Workers Day. These individuals contribute to a considerable portion of their country’s economy through remittances while serving as cultural and economic bridges abroad.

Examples

• Sweden's 19th-century emigration boom relieved job competition and boosted wages back home.
• Filipino migrants' remittances contribute over one-eighth of the country's economy.
• Skilled Cuban doctors finding better opportunities through international placements.

5. Immigrants fuel the economies of destination countries

Far from being a drain, immigrants contribute to economic growth and sustainability. Many low-skilled workers fill essential positions local workers avoid, such as agricultural labor or caregiving, while high-skilled migrants often innovate in specialized fields like technology and medicine.

Immigrants’ productivity boosts tax revenue without burdening welfare systems. In many cases, they support aging populations in wealthy nations by paying into safety nets like pensions, often without benefiting directly from them.

Additionally, migration shores up demographics for aging developed nations. Countries like Germany and Japan, with shrinking workforces, rely on migrants to sustain services for aging populations and keep the economy running smoothly.

Examples

• High-skilled immigrants bolstering industries like Silicon Valley's tech sector.
• Young migrant workers subsidizing social programs for elderly citizens in Europe.
• Stories of migrants revitalizing entire industries, such as California's agriculture.

6. Migration inspires creativity and robust cultures

Cultural diversity promotes innovation. History shows how cities with thriving immigrant communities often become centers of creativity and economic vibrancy. Multicultural capitals like London or Los Angeles are examples where global perspectives blend to drive progress.

Migration also revitalizes national cultures. Immigrants often introduce new traditions, cuisines, and ideas that enrich their new homes. Mutual exchange fosters unity and helps overturn fear of foreign cultures.

Countries that resist immigration often stagnate. Japan, for instance, became reluctant to accept immigrants after initial post-war development, a policy partially blamed for its economic challenges today. Openness leads to enrichment and innovation, whereas insularity halts growth.

Examples

• London’s role as a global financial and multicultural hub.
• Culinary diversity brought by migrants, like Mexican food transformed within the US.
• Japan’s decline after shying away from global immigration inflows.

7. Low-skilled migrants meet essential needs

Low-skilled workers perform jobs that native populations frequently shun. Nannies, janitors, construction workers, and farmhands are some examples of roles migrants take, ensuring better living standards for everyone else. These workers form the backbone of numerous industries.

Countries often implement “points-based” systems to prioritize high-skilled immigration, but this ignores market realities. Future workforce needs are impossible to predict, and people may naturally transition to different careers once they migrate and settle in.

Low-skilled job markets are indispensable. If affordable childcare is inaccessible, for example, parents might opt out of the workforce, reducing productivity and economic well-being for all.

Examples

• Migrants picking crops in California fields that locals avoid during extreme heat.
• The UK’s nanny jobs helping professionals stay in their demanding roles.
• Australia's flawed “points system” failing to address low-skill job shortages.

8. Integration does not mean assimilation

Expecting migrants to fully abandon their native cultures is neither fair nor productive. Instead, integration is about blending values. Immigrants often retain parts of their original culture, like language or food traditions, enriching their new homes in the process.

Latin American migrants in the United States demonstrate this balance. They retain rich cultural traditions while learning new languages or adapting professionally. Stereotyping immigrants as unwilling to integrate only perpetuates unnecessary fears and misunderstandings.

Canada provides a positive example; it celebrates multiculturalism and views its identity as constantly evolving. By embracing different cultural influences, Canada demonstrates how integration can unify society without requiring conformity.

Examples

• Immigrants in the US blending Spanish and English in daily life.
• Canadian cities embracing multiculturalism as a source of pride.
• The coexistence of salsa music alongside American rock and pop culture.

9. Migration rewrites what it means to be global citizens

Migration forces societies to renegotiate their values, creating opportunities for mutual learning. As people move and cultures intersect, communities redefine their identity as a mix, rather than a singular tradition.

This cultural blending isn’t a threat, but an opportunity. It allows people to learn from one another and become more creative, adaptable, and inclusive. Migration not only broadens perspectives but challenges stereotypes, creating stronger and more cohesive societies.

Embracing migration is not just an act of compassion – it’s a pragmatic step toward building a vibrant, prosperous future for all.

Examples

• Canada’s “cultural mosaic” model promoting unity over uniformity.
• The United States’ constant reinvention as a “melting pot” of immigrants.
• Israeli economic progress during its waves of Russian immigrants blending new cultures.

Takeaways

1. Advocate for policies that protect migrants' rights and livelihoods while educating against stereotypes.
2. Encourage communities to see migration as an opportunity for economic growth and cultural exchange.
3. Embrace multiculturalism in workplaces and neighborhoods, creating spaces for shared learning and collaboration.