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Immigration (Migration between countries and areas)

Definition:

Migration is the movement of people and where this occurs between countries it is called either immigration or emigration. Immigration is the movement of people into a country; emigration is when people leave a country. This movement may be voluntary or forced. Voluntary migration is when people choose to move and forced migration is when they feel they have no choice but to move because their life is threatened or in danger.

Examples:

Voluntary migration may occur because people want a new life with new opportunities; an example may be people choosing to move for a new job or a better education.

Forced migration may occur due to famine, war or persecution.

Why the situation occurs?

Sometimes governments encourage movement into their country, for example when they do not have a large enough workforce or people willing to take on certain jobs. They may encourage people to come and work in their country and give them financial incentives.

Often where a path has been established between countries there can be mass movement of people from one country to another. This may often make the traditionally resident population wary as immigrants may bring with them customs and religions from their home country. Also immigrants often congregate in areas with each other and there may be tension and conflict between the two communities.

Some forced migration may occur for physical reasons; for example where a country has had a drought which leads to a famine. Other forced migration may occur due to wars or persecution between ethnic or religious groups. Most forced migration is temporary and people eventually return home. However, when they are not able to return home they may encounter problems living alongside the established population.

How you can make a difference:

Tackle the issue – help young people to learn what immigration is and about the myths surrounding this topic. Educate them to be more tolerant and to understand diversity.

Support those who may have experienced issues relating to immigration and help to give them positive ways to tackle the issue.

Try to develop empathy and encourage Scouts to think of others before acting – our actions always have consequences.

Use the materials and tools provided to follow the process of:
1. Identify the problem
2. Develop Awareness and empathy
3. Take action
4. Measure the change

Resources and links:

The United Nations CyberSchoolBus website contains information on this subject:
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus

The High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) website contains useful information and statistics on the subject of immigration: http://www.unhcr.ch

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© World Organization of the Scout Movement - 2008

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