I want to get some thoughts out regarding my studies specifically. I hope you find it interesting, enlightening, and perhaps challenging.
I've learned that studying international migration also means studying the history of wars, international development, political agendas, financial loopholes, and colonization to name a few. People have always migrated and not just because they were forced - but for school, jobs, change of pace, family, weather. In the case of forced migrants however there is often an economic game being played that is usually shaping the situation. I've began describing migration like a puzzle and to understand why this corner fits together you have to realize all these other pieces. Before I came here I knew I had only seen one section of the puzzle, but I didn't realize how sizable it is.
In my opinion, it is impossible eradicate forced migration on an international scale. Every country, region, population has different push and pull factories that lead to migration and no blanket intervention or program will impact them all. Logically this makes sense. Venezuelan refugee situations are different than Afghan refugees which are different from Ukrainian refugees and so on. What has caused the unrest, persecution, or extreme fear will look slightly different depending on where you are in the world. How long the people have been inflicted will look different. The ways the people react, move, and engage with their political system will look different. How the rest of the world responds and how willing other countries are to acknowledge and help in the event persecution will look different. You can probably understand that learning the details of these differences has made the puzzle come into focus and it is overwhelming in size. Yet, I couldn't be more grateful to be in a position where I can take the time to understand all of this.
The world is vast, there are billions of people on this planet, and I am a single person. Being in London has underscored this as the streets and trains are busy even at 11pm on a Tuesday. I've deconstructed the thought that I can shift the entire world. Now I have the freedom to begin understanding what my piece of the puzzle is and that feels exciting.
Topics I've written on in classes:
How migration policies can impact labor market gaps - the case for circular migration in the agricultural industry in the United States.
Basically - migrants keep our agricultural industry functioning. More expansive programs for migrants (usually from Latin America) to come, work seasonally, then return home keeps the industry functioning, reduces the number of undocumented workers, and results in less exploitation of migrant workers.
How politicians use rhetoric around migration.
What politicians often say:
'secure the border'
use the word migrant and criminal interchangeably
refer to immigration as a crisis
The reality (I added a few articles for reference, but there are many more):
Building walls and pouring money into militarizing borders does not stop migrants, it only leads migrants to take more dangerous routes. Example: At the US-Mexico border if there is increased border agents at ports of entry more people begin going through the deserts.
Using the words migrant and criminal interchangeably instills a feeling of fear and understandably makes you want to protect yourself and your family. In reality, most migrants are not criminals and are seeking a life that enables them to do the exact same thing - protect their families.
Migration and immigration (especially in the United States, a nation founded on immigrants) is not new. However, by referring to a situation as a crisis it creates a sense of panic and allows for extraordinary measures.
This topic can feel heavy and controversial until I remember that it's all just humans doing what humans do - protecting themselves from real or perceived threats.
I hope you learned something, thought about a topic in a new way, or just found this entertaining. Selfishly, it was nice to express these thoughts. If you want more specifics or to have a larger discussion on any topics, please reach out!
