CityReads│7 Myths and Facts of Human Migration

95

7 Myths and Facts of Human Migration

Hein de Haas discusses 7 migration myths and presents 7 migration facts.

Hein de Haas, 2014. Human Migration: Myths, Hysteria and Facts

Source:

Picture source:

Migration is an issue that raises high hopes and fears, hopes for migrants, fears among the native population.

Migration is a hotly debated but poorly understood issue. Much conventional thinking about migration is based on myths rather than facts. Migration policies often fail because they are based on those same myths.

In his inaugural lecture 'Human Migration: Myths, Hysteria and Facts' to accept the Extraordinary Chair 'Migration and Development' at Maastricht University, Hein de Haas discusses seven right- and left-wing migration myths and present recent research findings. He argues that we should see migration as an intrinsic and therefore inevitable part of the broader processes of societal change and globalization instead of a 'problem to be solved'.

Myth # 1: We live in times of unprecedented mass-migration

While the number of international migrants has almost doubled between 1960 and 2000, the world population has grown at the same pace. The relative rate of migration has thus remained stable, and less than three per cent of the world's population is an international migrant.

The number of international migrants has almost doubled between 1960 and 2000

The relative rate of migration has thus remained stable

Less than three per cent of the world's population is an international migrant

Yet the nature and direction of migration has changed. For the past centuries, it was mainly Europeans who emigrated and colonized foreign territories. Since WWII, Europe has evolved into the world’s most attractive migration destination. However, particularly since the end of the Cold War politicians have increasingly portrayed migration as a fundamental threat to security and prosperity, inflaming a panic over migration. This contributed to the incorrect idea that migration is accelerating.

Myth #2: Immigration restrictions reduce the number of immigrants

Recent research shows that immigration restrictions are often counter-productive by interrupting circulation, discouraging return and pushing migrants into permanent settlement.

Immigration restriction can't stop migration. We see the different ways of migration.

What drives migration?

While migration is commonly seen as the result of poverty and violence in origin countries, research shows that growing prosperity in poor countries increases migration and that the level of migration is largely determined by labor demand in destination countries. Because migration research is too focused on answering short-term policy questions, it often fails to adequately map the causes and consequences of migration.

Myth #3: Immigration policies have become more restrictive

Although politicians like to give the impression that immigration policies have become more restrictive, research shows that policies have become less restrictive for most migrant groups over the past decades. Tough talk on migration is therefore mainly rhetoric aimed at winning elections.

In general, migration policy is becoming less restrictive.

Migration restriction is depending on the targets.

Myth #4: Development in origin countries will reduce emigration

Economic growth, education and infrastructure enable more people to migrate and increase their life aspirations. This is why migration increases as countries develop (see here and here). Economic growth of the poorest countries will therefore inevitably lead to more migration from those countries.

Myth #5: Migration leads to 'brain drain'

It is a misunderstanding that the emigration of skilled people ('brain drain') causes underdevelopment in origin countries (see here). The money migrants send back home ('remittances') dwarfs development aid, and many migrants invest in origin countries, although it is also an illusion to think that migrants can solve fundamental development problems such as corruption and inequality.

Myth #6: Migrants steal jobs and threaten the welfare state

Migrants mainly do the jobs that local populations shun or for which they lack the skills. Generally, migration has a positive, but comparatively small, effect on economic growth, although it is predominantly employers, the middle classes and the wealthy who benefit from migration.

Myth #7: Migration can solve the ageing problem

While migration is not a threat to prosperity, it is also not a solution to fundamental socio-economic problems such as ageing. The magnitude of migration is too limited, while ageing is becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

Open and wealthy societies will inevitably experience substantial migration. The trend towards economic liberalization in recent decades—which has increased the demand for formal and informal migrant labor—contradicts the political rhetoric in favor of less migration. Both the positive and negative effects of migration tend to be greatly exaggerated.

Migration is unjustifiably seen as either a fundamental threat or a solution to fundamental societal problems. It is not migration, but rather the xenophobia fuelled by politicians and the media, that is the problem.

The main facts refuting these 7 migration myths include:

Fact #1: Current global migration is not exceptionally high (neither exodus nor invasion), and main changes have been directional.

Fact #2: Immigration restrictions interrupt circulation, discourage return, push migrants into permanent settlement and create illegality.

Fact #3 Policies have become less restrictive for most immigrant groups, despite political rhetoric suggesting the contrary.

Fact #4: Development initially leads to more migration by enabling and inspiring people to migrate.

Fact #5: Migration has considerable benefits for origin societies, but migration can neither be blamed for a lack of development nor be expected to trigger development in unattractive investment environments.

Fact #6: Migration contributes to growth in destination societies, although the wealthy benefit most.

Fact #7: Migration is no solution to ageing and other fundamental socioeconomic problems in origin and destination societies.

Related CityReads

（Click the title or enter Official Account and reply number ）

CityReads ∣Notes On Cities

"CityReads", a subscription account on WeChat, 

posts our notes on city reads weekly. 

Please follow us by searching "CityReads"  

Or long press the QR code  above