Understanding the Causes and Effects of Global Migration

What are the causes and effects of global migration? How can countries respond to the challenges of global migration?

Political instability, limited economic prospects, and climate change are driving unprecedented levels of global migration. While migration can provide economic and social benefits to host nations, it can also strain public services and fuel social tension.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits and challenges of the increase in global migration.

Global Migration Is Increasing

Record numbers of migrants, driven by violence and poverty, are crossing into the United States daily from the US-Mexico border for a better life. This trend, mirrored around the globe, is straining immigration policies and prompting humanitarian crises. Here’s a look at the effects of global migration and why people are leaving their home countries.

Background

Global migration has been an integral part of human history, with people crossing borders in search of better economic opportunities and to escape political instability, violence, and environmental degradation. Today, over 280 million people—roughly 3.6% of the world’s population—live outside their country of birth.  

Causes of Global Migration

Experts say a variety of converging factors will continue to drive global migration in 2024 and beyond, including: 

• Political instability. Ongoing political conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and violence will continue to trigger migration.
• Origin countries’ limited economic prospects. High unemployment rates and low wages will continue to trigger emigration from poorer countries.
• Host countries’ economic incentives. Wealthier countries with aging populations and shrinking labor forces will likely attract migrants in search of better job opportunities and higher wages.
• Population growth. The global population is anticipated to surge by 1.4 billion between 2020 and 2040, primarily in developing countries where resources for employment, housing, education, and health care are often limited. This will likely compel more individuals to migrate in search of better opportunities.
• Climate change. Rising temperatures, increased sea levels, and severe weather will threaten livelihoods and prompt migration.

Potential Benefits of Global Migration

Experts assert that migration will likely continue to provide an array of benefits to both host and origin countries, including:

• In host countries, migration is expected to drive long-term economic growth by expanding the labor force, generating tax revenue, and fostering entrepreneurship.
• Origin countries could see their economic conditions improve due to the inflow of remittance sent home by migrants from abroad.

Potential Challenges of Global Migration 

However, experts also say that migration carries with it inherent difficulties that could affect both home and host nations in 2024 and beyond, including:

• Host countries may experience initial economic and social strain from migration.
• At the same time, origin countries are likely to continue to experience a “brain drain” effect where skilled professionals migrate, leaving behind a considerable void.

Looking Ahead

Experts anticipate ongoing global conflicts and instability will trigger significant migration in 2024 and beyond, posing considerable challenges for governance systems around the world. 

They expect strong national cultural preferences for ethnic uniformity to continue to fuel public opposition to large-scale migration, and to prompt political leaders to enact stringent immigration restrictions. Human rights advocates argue that these measures jeopardize migrants’ rights and lives.

Experts recommend that wealthy nations respond to these challenges by:

• Promoting stability, education, and employment opportunities in origin countries to encourage residents to stay.
• Increasing legal migration opportunities in host countries—for example, expanding work visas in sectors with labor shortages, like elder care and agriculture in the US.
• Accelerating the process of granting work authorization to newly arrived migrants. 
• Investing in infrastructure and social services to support migrants’ integration and host communities’ economic and cultural growth.

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