Migration, Globalisation in the United States of America and Europe - Essay Example

? Introduction Migration has always been an international phenomenon in world history, many cultures have emerged with the interaction of societies and people from different regions such as Greeks migrated to Roman Empire in search of living, many pastoral societies moved to Europe and France during medieval eras and also during globalization but such migrations never posed a risk to states’ sovereignty and integrity (SAMERS, 2010). In contrast to historic migrations, figures of migration in the current globalized world are way greater than any era (LIVI BACCI & IPSEN, 2012). With the emergence of new global culture, mass media, liberalized trade and financial corporations; it has been in conflict with barriers to migration which restrict free mobility and right to migrate. In this third wave of globalization and post modernism where international migration is restricted against all its cultural and political norms. This expulsion of human mobility from the globalization definition leaves it as a narrow concept of expansion where it’s ethical, economic and political existence comes in conflict with sustainability. Besides all aspects of globalization, this barrier to international human mobility also comes under violation of international law where freedom to move freely is under attack. This asymmetrical nature of globalization defines the exploitation of this term being used for interests of certain groups which have been promoting free exchange of goods by liberalizing economies and diminishing barriers to free mobility of goods yet are keen to impose restrictions on migration. Barriers can be justified by the number of migrations, in all past era migration figures were way smaller than the total population but the first wave of globalization registered the massive migration of around 3%. If we examine this movement of people, it has certain patterns where people from all around the world have migrated to either Europe or America while these migrations have been supported by some international agreement permitting movement of labours (GEDDES, 2011). Irrespective of these agreements, there have been many incidents of illegal migration where besides restrictions and barriers migrants have successfully crossed borders and have been living in disguise. It resembles the inconsistency and incompatibility of such asymmetric policies which at one hand support growth of liberalization while on the other hand attempt to contain it. This irregularity in policies has led to many international crimes against humanities of which the most prominent in this regard is the human trafficking (POOLEY & WHYTE, 1991). This evolving humanitarian crisis and inconsistent policies demand great attention and oversight for governance and policy making which ensures human rights of migration and also maintains the ethical, political and economic values of globalization. Human migration has always been the same as people move from developing countries to developed countries whereas in the first wave of globalization, Asia, Latin America, South Asia, Africa, Caribbean and Baltic states have been the major outsourcer of labours to America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and Japan etc. (TALANI, 2010). The figures for human trafficking stands around one out of every tenth migrant who cross borders with no permission and papers. Migration statistics sufficiently proves the argument that immense migration has resulted an unprecedented growth of population to the recipient countries which now has become a threat to the sovereignty of these states particularly to their security and in general to their domestic culture, values, norms and religion. Critical analysis require information from both sides, no doubt international migration has been enormous to the developed world but there is no evidence that they have spoiled the growth of recipient country so, the ultimate result is still to be revealed. In case of Europe where domestic population if greying; in case of America baby boomers have reached to their retirement; it can be said that these developed countries need labour class to do their dirty and hardworking jobs. No doubt these migrants are providing great revenue to the recipient countries. So, this study will examine the different aspects of migration what factors encourage people to migrate and on the basis of these migrations, this study will analyse what are the social, economic and political consequences of migration. This study will try to conclude if human migration is really bad for the recipient or it’s just a hoax created by prejudice feelings against immigrants. Relationship between Globalisation and Migration International migration in this globalised world has numerous variations and implications which are solemnly bound to globalisation. Globalisation promotes economic integration and abolition of all barriers to free trade and enhances increasing interdependence among states either socially, politically and economically. It also ensures free movement of knowledge and people from anywhere in the world (MUNCK, 2009). According to the OECD principles movement of people is related to the business going global, as businesses expand, they require to move more and more people around the globe; hence migration takes place. Another perspective of globalisation entails as countries lacking industrial growth have more stress on manpower and offer human capital to industrialised economies with scarce manpower which again confirms migration (KEELEY, 2009). So, migration in a globalised world has some specific patterns which specifies the relationship between globalisation and migration. In first scenario when businesses expand they move to a place where specific labour force is available for effective working, Secondly skilled labour migrates to such places where there is increasing demand for their skills and finally highly skilled or totally unskilled labour force migrates independently of any requirement. The above mentioned scenarios of labour migration imply that in todays’ globalised world the definition of migration has changed where no country is either a recipient or sender or transit country. If Indian labour force is moving to Europe then certainly, they are receiving global businesses from the world too and they are also providing transit to many Bangladeshi products and labour too. The relationship between globalisation and migration is beyond the traditional understanding of migration where one country was only a recipient or sender. So, it will be misleading to pose traditional concepts of migration over globalised world and declare them as a threat. Economic Integration and Migration Economic integration is the product of globalisation demanding global labour markets which encourage free mobility of labours hence migration provides a platform for successful experience of economic integration. Global Businesses endorse flexible and mobile labour force because they need best skilled labour around the globe working for their corporation and recognise the world as a single market from where they can pluck any resource, skill, knowledge and idea which is impossible without labour migration. It is evident that the term migration/ labour migration is consistent with globalisation and economic integration but the question remains about the migration channels. Globalisation has eliminated the concepts of nation states and sovereignty whereas migration if considered economically pose no threat to the states’ sovereignty at all (GRAHAM & POKU, 2000). In this globalised world either labour migrates to the businesses or businesses moves to the demand and supply. So, all in all both industry moves to employees or employee moves to industry and in a globalised world it all happens at a large scale. Hence migration is inherited in globalisation which demands for its own migration system and specify its migration channels rather than considering it a threat. Migration Phenomenon Refugee Refugee by the definition of United Nations convention refers to a person who has escaped from his or her country and cannot go back because of a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality or membership of a particular social group or political affiliation. Refugee claim has certain parameters being fulfilled such fear of persecution, severe violation of human rights, failure of government to protect its citizens and even if the govt. is also part of exaggerated fear (NICHOLSON & TWOMEY, 1999). Declaring a person as refugee is solemnly the decision of concerned state/country followed by certain procedures. Mostly granting the status of refugee is based upon sympathy and providing protection to the people whose life and liberty is at stake and they have no other source of survival. In such scenarios countries provide basic necessities and protection to such families and individuals (CZAIKA, 2009). With increasing growth, insecurity of food and shelter, water scarcity and globalisation such migration phenomenon have become more complex and complicated. Besides migration of people in the form of refugees is not a major threat to the states because only states and countries have the authority to either reject or accept the refugee application. In case of rejection, people are bound to leave the country so, this type of migration cannot problem or threat to states’ sovereignty and even laws for granting refugee status are clear. Skilled Migration Skilled labour migration is the ultimate need of developed/ recipient countries because they need labour force for fulfilling the structural labour shortage of the country. Most of the developed world as America, United Kingdom and countries of Middle Eastern region are faced with shortage of skilled labours and their business corporations require highly skilled professional experts for competing in the globalised world (IREDALE, 2001). Besides needs of developed countries, skilled migration is usually associated with people migrating through legal means and are bound by the country’s immigration policy. In the globalised world brain drain has been a curse and out of ethical concerns, new recruitments are based upon ethical concerns and people from developing countries especially in the field of health are discouraged (DOCQUIER & RAPOPORT, 2004). On the other hand skilled citizen of developing countries are also encouraged to study in foreign universities so that brain circulation may be facilitated. Skilled migration in this globalised world cannot be a threat to the sovereignty of states as all immigrants are legal and are adding up the revenue to the recipient country in the shape of their skills provided for production. Migration of skilled labour is neither a problem for sending countries which once was considered as brain drain and now in globalised world is replaced by ethical considerations and brain circulation. Illegal Migration Illegal migration usually refers to two concepts, one is that if an individual has arrived on a legal visa in any country and overstays after expiration of his visa. Secondly when an individual crosses the border of any country without any visa or permission documents. Globalisation encourages free mobility of labour and interconnectivity of borders which along with mobility of goods also lead to increasing immigration too either legal or illegal. Illegal migration is generated by the free trade, by expansion of borders, by expansion of corporations and by foreign direct investment. Some scholars blame introduction of structural adjustment program for illegal migration which forced governments to shutdown less productive assets and industries causing hyper unemployment. All factors mentioned above lead to illegal migration since unemployed people seek to cross borders against the immigration policies in search of resources to feed their families. With the advent of oil in Middle East many people migrated legally and unlawfully to Middle East, Mexicans migrated to America with the introduction North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) and People from Ukraine, Baltic States migrated to European Union (EU). Illegal Migration by any mean is a threat to national sovereignty by such actions country’s security remain at risk as country has no control over the border, any uninvited person enters and may dismantle the containing peace and order of the country. The risks of illegal migrants has increased beyond economic explanations since the 9/11 attack on Twin Towers and war on terror. Besides security, illegal migration has its adverse effects in the form of drug trafficking and human trafficking who are usually exploited at sex shops. The problem which prevails nowadays is that illegal migration feeds on the principles of globalisation that assert free mobility and connectivity of borders leaving leakages in the policy implementation process and becomes the ultimate threat to sovereignty. Human smuggling, drugs, armours, forced prostitution and human trafficking are the evils of illegal migration which according to United Nations Charter are considered as the worst violations of Human Rights too. Solutions to Illegal Migration Migration phenomenon of refugees and skilled migrants are not much of a concern to policy making authorities while the problem of illegal migrants has threats to sovereignty, security and integrity of any state which can be overcome through six possible solutions such as large scale deportation, managed migration, regularisation programs, military intervention, laissez faire practices (Cornelius, et al., 1994) and pro-active measures. It is stated by many scholars and literature that none of the above mentioned solutions is without its repercussions and consequences. Large scale deportation refers to enforcement policies where law and enforcement authorities are required to take strong actions against illegal migrants. They should be given authority to remove and deport these violators and illegal migrants. It requires conducting operations at a large scale and test for unregistered migrants and eliminate them. In this globalised world of mass media, deportation at a large scale and steering raids, chasing millions of illegal migrants in the whole world will be nothing but a joke of enforcement authorities. Besides it seems unrealistic to carry out such operations around the globe. Concept of managed migration assumes the making of an International authority to overlook migration across the borders. This concept of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) demands establishment of new doctrine for migration management (Waldrauch, 2000). Even though this concept of managed migration is a one sided policy emphasis supported only by recipient countries. On the other hand most of the developing countries in their arrangements want lenient immigration policy for their inhabitants while excluding undesired migrants is not as simple as it seems. Regulatory programs to control migration and especially illegal migration may provide short term solution to the problem but in the long run these regulations need to be managed and changed timely (DeBruyker, 2000). Managing such regulatory measures over a longer period and around the world will put huge financial and capacity problem to the authorities. Fifth solution to the problem of illegal migration can be of military intervention that authorities allow military action against illegal migrants considering them enemies and threat to the sovereignty of the states. This solution may be effective but in a globalised world of today, this solution may go against the charter of human rights as illegal migrant just overstayed than their authorised visa. Besides previous experiences of military intervention have not been effective and have brought more crisis to the state and government. Military intervention may harm the global interaction and peace between the states whose inhabitants are residing in the recipient country while globalisation promotes harmony and integration not the other way around. Another solution can be the same as Laissez faire migration policies where role of state is no more applicable on the migrants and all immigrants are allowed to enter the country. Such policy will leave an unimaginable threat to security and is also impractical by all definitions of state sovereignty. Final solution to the control illegal migration can be through pro-active measure which help individuals be eligible to the market scenarios of the recipient countries. Such proactive measure provide legal channels to enter developed world which helps individuals and thus illegal migration may be controlled. Emigration to United States of America According to the Census Bureau data of 2010 and 2011 (Camarota, 2012), the emigrants to USA were reported to the highest of 40 million people which if compared with statistics of year 2000 is 28% greater than a decade ago. Examining the total workforce of USA’s economy 68% contribution was made by the native inhabitants while remaining 32% contribution was supported by the immigrants. In contrast to immigrant population the unemployment rate in United States of America was recorded at 9.8% which was again the highest. Comparing migration and unemployment statistics one can easily understand the social risks posed to the recipient states. Historically, American economy has been the backbone for providing living to emigrants and to their families abroad. The immigrant population from year 2001 to 2005 reflect minor increase in the emigrants due to strict immigration policies of Bush Administration enforced by the 9/11 attacks which broke out the on-going war on terror. The attacks were performed by foreign terrorists who had no registered record. Such challenges and events are the potential risks and threat to the integrity and sovereignty of states. In total Mexico has been on the top of the list in sending immigrants to United States of America. After Mexico, Asia, Europe and Caribbean have been the leading sender of immigrants. Emigration to Europe Figure 1: Foreign Citizens Eurostat Europe especially United Kingdom and France have always been famous for providing living and jobs to foreign populations for centuries either it was under Roman Empire or Medieval Era or Industrial Revolution or Twentieth Century or now in globalisation. Like America, Europe is also facing crisis of illegal migration and also has large number of immigrants moving to Europe (The Guardian, 2009). According to Eurostat statistics of 2011 (European Commission, Eurostat, 2011), European Union had immigrant of around 1.7 Million and around 1.3 Million immigrant outside the 27 states of European Union while within the 27 member states around 3.2 million people migrated from one part to another. Among all states United Kingdom has reported the highest immigration statistics of 566,044 people, Germany with second, Spain with third and Italy with fourth highest figure of immigrants. Emigrants to Europe and especially to European Union were mostly reported from Poland, Romania, Baltic States, Ireland and Bulgaria. Europe is neighbour with number of developing countries and citizens from developing states can easily move within Europe due to European integration. So, it can easily be evaluated that Europe is prone to such integrity crises. This crisis was faced by most of the European states during recent general election when authorities did not have exact statistics of total immigrants due to large number of illegal migrants. Conclusion It is evident that globalisation has benefitted most to United States of America and Europe and to the corporations originated in these regions but every decision has its consequences. In contrast to it as a result of globalisation, developing countries have suffered the most. Hence globalisation has placed a gap between developed and developing countries which has forced many individuals to migrate from their homes to developed societies for jobs and better living. No doubt migration is caused by many diverse factors but economically immigrants have very marginal impact on the job opportunities and competition in the recipient countries because these developed countries are facing age greying problems and even the foreign population is way younger than the inherited population. Secondly foreign population provide their skills and productivity to the recipient country which in no way can harm the sovereignty of any states but the problem arises when pressure of illegal migrants become virus for the security and integrity of the recipient state. So, rejection and condemnation of migration can only be due to illegality of the migrants while prejudice behaviour of some groups go beyond the domain of migration. References Camarota, S. A., 2012. Immigrants in the United States, 2010-11: A Profile of America's Foreign-Born Population. Washington D.C.: Center for Immigration Studies. Cornelius, W., Martin, P. & Hollifield, J., 1994. Controlling immigration: a global perspective. Stanford: s.n. CZAIKA, M., 2009. The political economy of refugee migration and foreign aid.. Houndmills, Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. DeBruyker, P. d., 2000. Regularisations of illegal immigrants in the European Union. Brussels, Bruylant: s.n. DOCQUIER, F. & RAPOPORT, H., 2004. Skilled migration the perspective of developing countries. Washington, D.C.: World Bank, Development Research Group, Trade Team. European Commission, Eurostat, 2011. Migration and migrant population statistics - Statistics Explained. [Online]. GEDDES, A., 2011. International Migration. Calif: Thousand Oaks, Sage. GRAHAM, D. T. & POKU, N., 2000. Migration, globalisation, and human security. London: Routledge. IREDALE, R. R., 2001. Skilled migration: the rise of temporary migration and its policy implications. s.l.:University of Wollongong.. KEELEY, B., 2009. International migration: the human face of globalisation. Paris: OECD. LIVI BACCI, M. & IPSEN, C., 2012. A short history of migration. Cambridge: UK, Polity. MUNCK, R., 2009. Globalisation and migration: new issues, new politics. London: Routledge. NICHOLSON, F. & TWOMEY, P. M., 1999. Refugee rights and realities evolving international concepts and regimes. England: Cambridge University Press. POOLEY, C. G. & WHYTE, I., 1991. Migrants, emigrants, and immigrants: a social history of migration. London: Routledge. SAMERS, M., 2010. Migration. London: Routledge. TALANI, L. S., 2010. From Egypt to Europe globalisation and migration across the Mediterranean. London: Tauris Academic Studies. The Guardian, 2009. Immigration to Europe: how many foreign citizens live in each country?. [Online]. Waldrauch, H., 2000. Irregular Migration: Dynamics, Impact, Policy Options. Vienna: European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research. Read More

 

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