Migration: The permanent change of residence by an individual or group.
Emigration: Leaving a country or political territory.
Immigration: Moving into a country or different political territory.
Mnemonic: E for Exit, I for In.
Types of Migration
Forced Migration
Migrants have no choice but to migrate due to:
Life-threatening conditions.
Human trafficking, forced labor, child soldiers, and slavery.
Asylum Seeker:
Someone who leaves their home country seeking protection in another.
Their claim is not yet decided by the host country.
Refugees:
Forced to leave their home country, crossing international boundaries.
Causes include war, persecution (based on sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs), natural disasters, droughts, famine, disease, or civil war.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP):
Forced to flee home but remain within their country's borders due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, or disasters.
Voluntary Migration
Migrants choose to leave their location willingly due to:
Economic, political, social, or environmental factors.
Transnational Migration:
Migration across countries.
Often maintain cultural connections with their home country.
Can lead to chain migration (family reunification policy).
Requires filing fees, proof of financial support, and vetting processes.
Step Migration:
Migration in stages, with stops along the way.
Influenced by intervening obstacles (hindrances) and opportunities (beneficial circumstances).
Guest Workers:
Temporarily migrate for work or education.
Often send money (remittances) back home.
Example: Workers at theme parks during busy months.
Special Types of Voluntary Migration
Transhumance Migration
Related to agriculture and seasons.
Cyclical migration based on seasonal livestock movement.
Example: Balkans farmers moving between mountains and plains based on seasons.
Migration Based on Economics
Economics is the primary reason for migration.
Rural to Urban Migration:
Driven by search for economic, social, and political opportunities.
Regional Migration
Intra-regional Migration:
Movement within the same region.
Example: Moving from a city to its suburbs.
Inter-regional Migration:
Movement from one region to another within the same country.
Example: Moving from the Midwest to the Southeast of the USA.
Conclusion
Understanding forced and voluntary migration involves recognizing various causes, processes, and consequences.
Encourage practice and review using additional resources.
Helpful Resources
Ultimate review packet for class and national exam preparation.