Immigration: The Poor Man’s Escape
Immigration has become a big global issue, especially in the field of economics, trade, and business. Population in some countries balloons because of immigrants, whether these immigrants are legal or not. The most common reason for immigration is the continuous search for a better life abroad, making immigration seem like the poor man’s escape.
There are so many reasons why people migrate to other countries. Some people are simply forced to move, perhaps because of war and hostility, just like what happened to the Syrians last year, and the Jews during the Nazi occupation. Others migrate because they want to find better workplaces and job opportunities abroad – the so-called greener pasture. Some migrants say they left their country behind because of prejudice and persecution. Others simply migrate because they are in search of adventure, or they just wanted a different place to live and retire.
Immigration is the poor man’s escape, and here, it is not mentioned with a sarcastic note. It is indeed practical to work abroad, especially if you do not see any improvement in your country’s economic landscape. A nation full of violence and corruption is not healthy for you. In such times, it is better to escape and be an immigrant.
Immigration is oftentimes seen as an act of courage. Living abroad can be daunting for a newcomer because he becomes exposed to a different culture. He has to adopt a new way of living, perhaps adjust to new beliefs and a higher cost of living. Even the pain of leaving your family behind is hard to endure. Immigrants also face bigger problems: underemployment and unemployment, abuse, not getting enough support from the government, and getting ostracized by society, mainly because they are seen as part of a minority group. There is also separation anxiety and the challenge of finding a better job. After all, that is the reason why they left.
If immigration is not all glitters and gold, then why do people still work their way to the bureau? Why do they spend time preparing their papers and getting that flight to other countries and beyond? The reason is simple: They have no other choice.
Immigration does not have to be the poor man’s escape if the government provides enough jobs for everyone. Breadwinners do not have to work abroad if they find high-paying jobs in their own country. Families do not have to leave if the country is safe for them and their children. Despite immigration being a normal practice, the issue all boils down to the government not doing anything to address the situation. And who would be at the receiving end of this socio-political turmoil but the poor?
This is why countries have resorted to reviewing their laws on immigration. Now, it is not that easy to migrate to the United States or to Europe. There are certain parameters to be observed, and a lot of papers to prepare. The immigration officers have become more careful about who they let in in their country. Suddenly, immigration stops becoming an escape.
This is another solution to control immigrants. There should be a more stringent policy on immigration. There must be a body of authorities who would monitor the illegal immigrants in a country. Doing this may also control the population size in a city. As for each country, the best option is to provide jobs solely for their countrymen. Their manpower should not compose of immigrants. A review of such benefits and costs could be done. But then again, it will not be easy. It will take time before all immigration bureaus around the world come up with better laws to control the coming of immigrants.
References:
http://www.globalissues.org/article/537/immigration
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2006/03/the-real-problem-with-immigration-and-the-real-solution