Human migration denotes any movement by human beings from one locality to

another, often over long distances or in large groups. Humans are known to have
migrated extensively throughout prehistory and human history. The movement of
populations in modern times has continued under the form of both voluntary
migration within one's region, country, or beyond,
and involuntary migration (which includes
trafficking in human beings and ethnic cleansing).
The people who migrate are called migrants, or,
more specifically, emigrants, immigrants, or
settlers, depending on historical setting,
circumstance, and perspective.

Human migrations, initiated for whatever reason, have affected the grand epochs
in history, changing forever the demographic landscape of lands throughout the
world, bringing, on some occasions, innovation and mutual benefits, and on others
destruction and suffering. While social scientists and historians look for external
causes for these happenings, including climate
change and political or religious oppression,
religious scholars and people of faith regard
many such events as the playing out of God's
providence, bringing humankind ever closer
to a time when human beings fill the earth and
live as one family in peace and harmony.

Types of migrations

There are two main types of migrations: Domestic and international. In domestic
migration people move within their homeland, be it from one town to the next or
across the country. This may take the form of moving from one level of density to
another such as rural to urban (or vice versa).
International migration involves crossing international borders. International
migration can occur over relatively short distances such as that in between the
member states of the European Union or can involve moves to entirely different
continents such as from Asia to Africa.

Migration is generally considered a permanent action, although some people

migrate to other places for rather long periods of time (months or years) rather
than permanently.

Immigration History and Root Reasons:

There are 60 countries in today’s world that are poorer than they were thirty years
ago. A fifth of the world’s population (1.2 billion people) lives on less than $1 per
day and almost half the world’s population, or 2.8 billion people, live on less than
$2 a day. Every second, a child dies of malnutrition. Economic injustice still
plagues most of the world, providing a strong impetus for immigration. Given this
situation, any true solution to illegal immigration to the U.S. must take into
account the root causes of the poverty from which many immigrants are trying to
escape. This resource looks at these root causes, especially those which have been
perpetuated by U.S. foreign policy which has not focused on the well-being of the
poorest.

There have been large groups of people immigrating throughout history. This land
of ours was probably settled first by people who crossed the current Bering Strait
from Asia. After the “discovery” by
the Europeans, many came from Europe to find freedom of religion, a new start, or
riches in a land yet to be explored.
Other groups came looking for employment, escape from violence or repression,
or for education. There is no single cause for the movements of people from one
area to another. The U.S. Bishops
note this fact:

“We must never forget that many immigrants come to this country in desperate
circumstances. Some have fled political persecution, war, and economic
devastation….Others have wagered on finding a better life in this country in the
face of economic desperation at home. As Pope John Paul II has noted, ‘In many
regions of the world today people live in tragic situations of instability and
uncertainty. It does not come as a surprise that in such contexts the poor and the
destitute make plans to escape, to seek a new land that can offer them bread,
dignity and peace. . .’” U.S. Catholic Bishops, Welcoming
the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity, Nov. 15, 2000 In many ways it is the
economic and political polices of the United States that cause an even greater push
for immigration to the U.S.

The poorest countries of the world account for only 0.4 percent of international
trade, yet they lose an estimated $700 billion a year due to unfair trade rules. The
U.S. and other developed countries are currently pursuing “free trade” agreements
with many developing countries. Developing countries, which often utilize higher
levels of tariffs and taxes on incoming goods in order to gather revenue for
their governments, are often forced to eliminate these tariffs and taxes as part of
free trade agreements. Yet, many people concerned with poverty are pointing to
statistics that show that unregulated, “free” trade primarily benefits wealthy
corporations and wealthy countries; poverty is increasing around the world despite
increased free trade.
One of the most unjust aspects of the trade system is the use of agricultural
subsidies by the U.S. and the European Union. The U.S. provides hundreds of
billions of dollars of agricultural subsidies, most of which goes to a few large
agribusinesses who control most of the agricultural production in the U.S. This
allows agricultural production to occur en masse and to knock smaller competitors
- in the U.S. and in developing countries - out of business. (Education for Justice,
April 2, 2006) I have worked with the Spanish speaking community for about five
and a half years, and have heard many stories of why people come to the United
States in spite of the strict requirements, the harsh journey, the separation of
families, and the fear of an unexpected return. I also spent four months traveling in
11 Latin American countries to stay in the homes of the families who live here.
Many are not just looking for an easy way to make money, and they do not want to
avoid the legal process for entry. Often there is no other option.

One man whom I knew for three years returned to his family. I saw him shortly
after. He lamented that he had not even recognized his own young son when he
returned because he had grown so much.
But he also said that he had to choose between love for his family and being with
them, or returning to the United States to make enough money to support his wife
and four children.

The United States cannot solve the economic and political situations of all
countries, yet we can promote fair and just policies that do not take advantage of
them for the sake of global businesses. We can work with them to reduce
indebtedness and poverty, corruption, and violence that affect the need for
migration.
Causes

The causes of migration can be seen as a series of push and pull factors—those
factors which either forcefully push someone into migration or attract them. Push
and pull factors are usually considered as north and south poles on a magnet.

Push factors

A push factor is a forceful factor, and a factor which relates to the country the
person is migrating from. It is generally a problem which results in people wanting
to leave. Different types of push factors include:

 Poor medical care

 Not enough jobs
 Few opportunities
 Primitive conditions
 Political fear
 Fear of torture and mistreatment
 Not being able to practice religion
 Loss of wealth
 Natural disasters (including changes in climate)

Pull factors

A pull factor is something concerning the country a person migrates to. It is

generally a good thing that attracts people to a certain place.

 Chances of getting a job

 Better living standards
 Enjoyment
  Education
 Better medical care
 Security
 Family links

Effects

Migration, like any other process, shapes many fields of life. These effects, which
have both advantages and disadvantages, include:

 Changes in population distribution: Human migration has had a significant

effect on world geography, contributing to the development of separate
cultures, the diffusion of cultures, and the complex mix of cultures and
multi-cultural populations found in many parts of of the world.
 Mixing of different cultures and races: This has often led to negative social
behaviors–tensions in society between majorities and minorities, followed
often by local struggles, racism and racial discrimination.[3] Increases in
criminality may also result.[4] However, effects in different societies vary.
There are also some positive cultural effects of migration, for example
exchange of cultural experience and new knowledge.
 Demographic consequences: Since migration is selective of particular age
groups, migrants are mostly young and productive. This can cause a
demographic crisis—population aging, that in turn can be followed by
economic problems (a shrinking economically active population has to
finance an extending inactive population).
 Economic results, which are of the greatest importance for the development
of countries.