REFLECTION

PAPER ABOUT
GLOBAL MIGRATION
MS. LORRAINE MOLINA/ PROFESSOR IN SUBMITTED BY: KATRINA D.
SUBMITTED TO:
THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD CUNANAN
TREND ARTICLE

Global Migration's Rapid Rise

Today, more people worldwide live outside their birth countries than ever before—244
million in 2015, triple the total in 1960. To put that in perspective, if international
migrants were a nation of their own, they would make up the world’s fifth-largest
country, just behind Indonesia in terms of population. But of course, migrants are not all
in one place, and there have been marked changes in their origins and destinations
over the past two decades. A growing proportion lives in the world’s richest nations, and
a growing proportion was born in middle-income countries.
When it comes to migration, the United States stands apart from all other nations. It is
home to a rising share of the world’s migrants and houses more of them than any other
country: 45 million people born elsewhere now reside in the U.S. In particular, the
Mexican-born population in the U.S. now represents the largest single country-to-
country migration in the world, though migrants from that nation and others in Latin
America recently were eclipsed by migrants from Asia among new arrivals.
Throughout history, international migrants have relocated in search of economic and
educational gains for themselves, a better life for their children, and, in some cases,
political or religious freedom. World crises from weather to war also play a part in
stimulating waves of movement from one country to another.
But in today’s world, migrants’ decisions to move also are being fueled by freer trade
and the economic aspirations of a growing global middle class. Information about
desirable routes and destinations travels faster now. And, once relocated, it is easier
than ever for migrants to stay in touch with family, send money, or visit, using more
widely available technology and relatively cheap transportation. Sending and destination
countries compete for these migrants in many ways too, with the flow of people and
resources taking on the features of a more open marketplace. Destination countries are
jousting in the global market for the most highly skilled migrants. Sending nations seek
to maintain ties to their diasporas by offering political and economic opportunities to
invest in the home country. They also keep a close eye on the money that migrants
send home, which rose to a record $601 billion last year. These remittances represent
more than 20 percent of GDP in some developing nations, such as Tajikistan and Haiti,
according to World Bank figures. And today, many more people are permitted to be dual
citizens as nations seek to hold on to their most talented citizens.
Both for nations receiving and losing people, migration can cause significant social and
political tension, as individuals in those countries express concern about jobs, social
services, and cultural identity. At the same time, analysts see ways that migration can
offer many benefits to nations in terms of balancing age and labor force needs, and
expanding education, economic integration, and cultural sharing. Much of the public and
political debates over migration policies center on these inherent tensions.
The number of global migrants is increasing slightly faster than the world’s population:
They represent 3.3 percent of all people today, compared with 2.6 percent in 1960,
according to United Nations statistics. Numerically, there are 165 million more global
migrants today than in 1960, and as their numbers have risen, their routes have
changed.
Nearly 7 in 10 international migrants (69 percent in 2013) live in the highest-income
nations, mainly the U.S., Canada, and European countries. In 1990, fewer than 6 in 10
did (57 percent). The total in wealthy nations rose to 160 million in 2013 from 87 million
in 1990.
Destinations that have become more popular include not only well-off North America
and parts of Europe, but also oil-producing nations in the Middle East that have
attracted Asian and other migrants on employment visas. (Some sending countries,
though, have suspended or ended their labor migration programs to some Middle
Eastern countries, citing abusive practices.) Among the 10 nations with the largest
number of international migrants, four are new since 1990: Australia, Spain, United Arab
Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
REACTION:
- Global migration rapid rise provide insightful analysis of the current state of
global migration, shedding light on the increasing number of migrants worldwide
and the evolving dynamics surrounding their movements. They thought-
provoking article explores the changing origins and destinations of migrants, the
significant role played by the United States, and the factors driving contemporary
migration patterns. One of the most striking revelations from the article is the
sheer magnitude of global migration. The fact that 244 million individuals were
living outside their birth countries in 2015, triple the number recorded in 1960,
underscore the scale of this phenomenon. This statistic emphasizes the growing
interconnectedness of our world and highlights the profound impact that
migration has on societies worldwide. This article also highlights the multitude of
factors that influence migrant’s decision to relocate. While economic and
educational opportunities have historically been strong motivations, the current
era is witnessing the impact of freer trade and the aspirations of a rising global
middle class. Michael’s article prompt us to reflect on the profound implications of
the rapid rise in global migration. By shedding the light on changing origins and
destinations, the role of the United States, and the factors influencing migration,
the article highlights the need for informed and holistic approaches to address
this complex issue. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world,
understanding and managing global migration will be vital for fostering inclusive
and sustainable socities.