Chapter 3 Migration

Chapter 3 MigrationKey Issue 3: Why do Migrants Face Obstacles?Why do migrants face obstacles?Immigration policies of host countriesCultural problems faced while living in other countriesObstaclesPast: long, arduous expensive trip across land or seaCramped, unsanitary shipsImmigration Policies of Host CountriesTwo policies to control arrival of foreigners seeking work1) quota system: United StatesLimits number of permanent migrants2) temporary approval: Western Europe & Middle EastAllows workers to stay temporarilyUS Quota Laws1921, Congress passed Quota Act 1924, National Origins ActSet limits on number of people who could immigrate from each country in 1 year periodOnly 2% of a countrys population in the U.S. could immigrate each year (1910 data)Stayed in effect (with modifications) until 1960s

U.S. Quota LawsQuota laws ensured that most immigrants were EuropeanImmigration Act of 1965Individual country quotas changed to hemisphere quotas120,000 from Western Hemisphere170,000 from Eastern Hemisphere1978 changed to a global quota620,000 and no more than 7% from one countryU.S. Quota LawsMore applicants than what can be admittedPreferences:Family-sponsored immigrants (3/4)Reunify families (spouses, unmarried children, siblings)Employment-related immigrants (1/4)Skilled workers, talented professionalsAsians make up a large portion of this groupLottery for others to diversify entryTakes about 5 yearsU.S. Quota LawsQuota does not apply to refugeesQuota dos not apply to spouses, children & parents of US citizensBrain DrainMost immigrants are young, well-educated Scientists, researchers, doctors & other professionalsMigrate to make a better living in destination

Brain Drain: large scale emigration of talented peopleUS & Europe at fault for favoring educated immigrants

Temporary Migration for WorkProminent in Europe, Middle East, Asiaguest workers temporary job holders Western Europe:Protected by minimum wage laws, labor unionsTake unwanted jobs: bus drivers, garbage menEarn more than in native countrySend money home (helps native country)Decreases unemployment in native country

Guest Workers in EuropeFig. 3-9: Guest workers emigrate mainly from Eastern Europe and North Africa to work in the wealthier countries of Western Europe.Guest workers emigrate primarily from Eastern Europe and North Africa to work in the wealthier, more developed countries of Western Europe. Selected country may be a former colonial ruler, have a similar language or an agreement with the exporting countryTime-Contract WorkersRecruited for a fixed period to work Millions of Asians in 19th century, mines & plantationsIndia to Burma, Malaysia, East & Southern Africa, etcJapanese & Filipinos to Hawaii, BrazilChina to United States, railroadMore than 33 million Chinese live in other Asian countriesEmigration from ChinaFig. 3-10: Various ethnic Chinese peoples have distinct patterns of migration to other Asian countries.

Distinguishing Between Economic Migrants and RefugeesDifficult to distinguish cause of emigration: economic vs refugeeImportant because it determines acceptance into new countryRefuges receive special priorityCuba, Haiti, Vietnam

Emigrants from CubaUs regards Cuban immigrants as refugees, 1959 Communist revolution under CastroUS government prevents trade with CubaMany settled in Southern Florida after revolutionMariel boatlift political prisoners, criminals and mental patients of Cuba allowed to leave Cuba, 1980Sought political asylum in US125 mile voyage in small boats, often capsizedUS now permits 20,000 per yearEmigrants from HaitiHaitians wanted similar treatment as their neighboring CubaUS claimed Haitians were only looking for economic advancement, not political asylumWhen Haitian govt was taken over by military, 1991, US began to allow Haitians asylum as refugees1994, US invaded Haiti to reinstate democratic govtHaitians continue to migrate to USEmigrants from VietnamPost Vietnam War, 1975Several thousand pro-US South Vietnmese were evacuated by US for protection from North VietnameseThose who werent evacuated left by boat in South China Sea, hoping to be rescued by US Navyboat people seek refuge in other countriees

Migration of Vietnamese Boat PeopleFig. 3-11: Many Vietnamese fled by sea as refugees after the war with the U.S. ended in 1975. Later boat people were often considered economic migrants.

Cultural Problems Faced While Living in Other CountriesUS Attitudes Towards Immigrants19th centuryImmigrants helped settle the frontier, extend US control across continent, created productive farms20th centuryOpposition to new Northern & Eastern European immigrants: German & IrishHostility towards Italians, Russians, Poles

US Attitudes toward Immigration1911 government study of popular attitudesImmigrants from Southern & Eastern Europe are racially inferiorViolent crimes, Resist assimilations , Steal jobs

Current attitudes:Deny undocumented citizens access to schools, day-care centers, health clinics

Attitudes Toward Guest WorkersEurope: typically young malesGuest workers suffer poor social conditions, low paying jobs. Send money home to native countryMany guest workers remain indefinitelyMany Europeans dislike themOppose govt programs to help themPolitical parties w strict immigration rules gaining more supportAnti-Immigration Protest in Spain

Spanish youths attacked Moroccan immigrants in El Ejido, Spain after an alleged murder.Attitudes toward Guest WorkersMiddle East, petroleum-exporting countriesFear guest workers will spark political unrestFear abandonment of Islamic customsHost countries force migrants to return home if they wish to marry

Middle East & Western EuropeSlow economyReducing amount of guest workersPay guest workers to return homeHigh unemployment can cause native country to deny nationals return

FijiBritish brought Indians to Fiji for labor, 1879-1920More Indians than native FijianPeacefully coexisted in democratic country for decadesIndians won power in 1987, leading to riotsNew constitution ensures Fijians will hold majority in parliament

Arguments of Anti-ImmigrantsWestern Europe & United StatesIf immigrants were thrown out, unemployment rate would dropCut off immigrants from public programs, then taxes would drop

Little scientific basis for these arguments