Chapter 3 MigrationKey Issue 3: Why do Migrants Face
Obstacles?
Why do migrants face obstacles?Immigration policies of host countriesCultural problems faced while living in other
countries
ObstaclesPast: long, arduous expensive trip across land
or seaCramped, unsanitary ships
Immigration Policies of Host CountriesTwo policies to control arrival of foreigners
seeking work1) quota system: United StatesLimits number of permanent migrants2) temporary approval: Western Europe &
Middle EastAllows workers to stay temporarily
US Quota Laws1921, Congress passed Quota Act 1924, National Origins ActSet limits on number of people who could
immigrate from each country in 1 year periodOnly 2% of a country’s population in the U.S.
could immigrate each year (1910 data)Stayed in effect (with modifications) until
1960s
U.S. Quota LawsQuota laws ensured that most immigrants
were EuropeanImmigration Act of 1965
Individual country quotas changed to hemisphere quotas
120,000 from Western Hemisphere170,000 from Eastern Hemisphere
1978 changed to a global quota620,000 and no more than 7% from one
country
U.S. Quota LawsMore applicants than what can be admittedPreferences:Family-sponsored immigrants (3/4)
Reunify families (spouses, unmarried children, siblings)
Employment-related immigrants (1/4)Skilled workers, talented professionalsAsians make up a large portion of this group
Lottery for others to diversify entryTakes about 5 years
U.S. Quota LawsQuota does not apply to refugeesQuota dos not apply to spouses, children &
parents of US citizens
Brain Drain
Most immigrants are young, well-educated Scientists, researchers, doctors & other
professionalsMigrate to make a better living in destination
Brain Drain: large scale emigration of talented people
US & Europe at fault for favoring educated immigrants
Temporary Migration for WorkProminent in Europe, Middle East, Asia“guest workers” temporary job holders Western Europe:Protected by minimum wage laws, labor
unionsTake “unwanted jobs”: bus drivers, garbage
menEarn more than in native countrySend money home (helps native country)Decreases unemployment in native country
Guest Workers in Europe
Fig. 3-9: Guest workers emigrate mainly from Eastern Europe and North Africa to work in the wealthier countries of Western Europe.
Guest workers emigrate primarily from Eastern Europe and North Africa to work in the wealthier, more developed countries of Western Europe. Selected country may be a former colonial ruler, have a similar language or an agreement with the exporting country
Time-Contract WorkersRecruited for a fixed period to work Millions of Asians in 19th century, mines &
plantationsIndia to Burma, Malaysia, East & Southern
Africa, etcJapanese & Filipinos to Hawaii, BrazilChina to United States, railroadMore than 33 million Chinese live in other
Asian countries
Emigration from China
Fig. 3-10: Various ethnic Chinese peoples have distinct patterns of migration to other Asian countries.
Distinguishing Between Economic Migrants and RefugeesDifficult to distinguish cause of emigration:
economic vs refugeeImportant because it determines acceptance
into new countryRefuges receive special priorityCuba, Haiti, Vietnam
Emigrants from CubaUs regards Cuban immigrants as refugees,
1959 Communist revolution under CastroUS government prevents trade with CubaMany settled in Southern Florida after
revolution“Mariel boatlift” political prisoners, criminals
and mental patients of Cuba allowed to leave Cuba, 1980
Sought political asylum in US125 mile voyage in small boats, often
capsizedUS now permits 20,000 per year
Emigrants from HaitiHaitians wanted similar treatment as their
neighboring CubaUS claimed Haitians were only looking for
economic advancement, not political asylumWhen Haitian gov’t was taken over by
military, 1991, US began to allow Haitians asylum as refugees
1994, US invaded Haiti to reinstate democratic gov’t
Haitians continue to migrate to US
Emigrants from VietnamPost Vietnam War, 1975Several thousand pro-US South Vietnmese
were evacuated by US for protection from North Vietnamese
Those who weren’t evacuated left by boat in South China Sea, hoping to be rescued by US Navy
“boat people” seek refuge in other countriees
Migration of Vietnamese Boat People
Fig. 3-11: Many Vietnamese fled by sea as refugees after the war with the U.S. ended in 1975. Later boat people were often considered economic migrants.
Cultural Problems Faced While Living in Other CountriesUS Attitudes Towards Immigrants19th centuryImmigrants helped settle the frontier, extend
US control across continent, created productive farms
20th centuryOpposition to new Northern & Eastern
European immigrants: German & IrishHostility towards Italians, Russians, Poles
US Attitudes toward Immigration1911 government study of popular attitudesImmigrants from Southern & Eastern Europe
are racially inferiorViolent crimes, Resist assimilations , Steal
jobs
Current attitudes:Deny undocumented citizens access to
schools, day-care centers, health clinics
Attitudes Toward Guest WorkersEurope: typically young malesGuest workers suffer poor social conditions,
low paying jobs. Send money home to native country
Many guest workers remain indefinitelyMany Europeans dislike themOppose gov’t programs to help themPolitical parties w strict immigration rules
gaining more support
Anti-Immigration Protest in Spain
Spanish youths attacked Moroccan immigrants in El Ejido, Spain after an alleged murder.
Attitudes toward Guest WorkersMiddle East, petroleum-exporting countriesFear guest workers will spark political unrestFear abandonment of Islamic customsHost countries force migrants to return home
if they wish to marry
Middle East & Western EuropeSlow economyReducing amount of guest workersPay guest workers to return homeHigh unemployment can cause native country
to deny nationals return
FijiBritish brought Indians to Fiji for labor, 1879-
1920More Indians than native FijianPeacefully coexisted in democratic country
for decadesIndians won power in 1987, leading to riotsNew constitution ensures Fijians will hold
majority in parliament
Arguments of Anti-ImmigrantsWestern Europe & United States“If immigrants were thrown out,
unemployment rate would drop”“Cut off immigrants from public programs,
then taxes would drop”
Little scientific basis for these arguments
