Migration And Immigration

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Migration and Immigration In today’s modern society, migration has truly become a global occurrence. From 1975 to 2005, the number of people living outside their origins doubled to 191 million (Bloemraad). From 1960 to 2005, the number of countries hosting more than 500,000 immigrants increased from 30 to 62 (Bailey). In addition, in 2006, immigrants accounted for at least ten-percent of the total population in fifty-three countries (Bailey). This monumental movement of people and cultures is the result of rapid industrialization, political and cultural developments, and extended environmental changes. The complex story of migration is not solely about the immigrants who have shifted their original geography, but also about the lands and societies they have disrupted or changed in the process. In order to explain migration, researchers, intellectuals and social scientists have developed three important sets of hypotheses; economic theories, cultural theories, and political theories. These theories are all supported by statistical data, sound arguments, and the support of well respected advocates. In many cases, these migration theories can be combined and should be incorporated for a more complete understanding. Theories of migration are significant in many ways; they can help us understand population movements within their wider political and economic contexts. Ravenstein, an English geographer, used census data from England to develop the "Laws of Migration" in 1889. He concluded that migration was made possible by a "push-pull" process; where unfavorable conditions in one place (oppressive laws, heavy taxation, violence, poverty and education) "push" people out from their birth place while more favorable conditions in another location "pull" them out; the best noted example to Americans is a term coined “The American Dream”. The primary cause for migration
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