Human
Migration
Where we came from, and where we're going
What is Migration?
Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another,
typically across regional, national, or international borders. It can be driven by
various factors such as economic opportunities, political instability,
environmental changes, or personal circumstances. Migration can be
voluntary, where individuals or families choose to relocate seeking better
living conditions, employment, education, or a safer environment. Conversely,
it can also be forced, often due to persecution, conflict, or natural disasters,
leading people to flee their homes in search of safety and security.
Migration has significant social, economic, and cultural implications for both
the migrants and the communities they leave and join. It can contribute to
cultural diversity and economic growth in receiving countries while also posing
challenges related to integration, social cohesion, and resource allocation. In
origin countries, migration can lead to labor shortages, brain drain, and family
disintegration. Understanding migration patterns and addressing its drivers
are crucial for developing effective policies that ensure the well-being of
migrants and facilitate the positive impacts of migration on societies globally.
Push and Pull Factors of Migration
PUSH FACTORS PULL FACTORS
Push factors of migration are the Pull factors of migration are the
conditions and circumstances in the conditions and opportunities in a
country of origin that drive individuals to destination country that attract
leave and migrate elsewhere. These individuals to move there. These factors
factors include economic hardships such include better job opportunities, higher
as poverty, lack of job opportunities, low wages, improved living standards, political
wages, and economic instability. Political stability, better healthcare and education
factors such as political persecution, systems, religious or cultural freedoms,
conflict, human rights abuses, and lack of and a safer environment. Family
political freedoms also compel people to reunification is also a significant pull
seek safety and security in other factor, as migrants seek to join family
countries. Environmental factors such as members already residing in the
natural disasters, climate change impacts destination country. Additionally,
(like droughts or floods), and favorable immigration policies and legal
environmental degradation disrupt frameworks that facilitate migration and
livelihoods and make living conditions offer pathways to residency or citizenship
unsustainable. can attract migrants.
Types of Migration
International
Internal Migration
Migration
Voluntary Migration Forced Migration
Rural-to-urban migration
Patterns of Migration
In India, migration is most common in
Most of the immigrants in India come
the states of Kerala, UP, Bihar, Tamil
from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.
Nadu, Maharashtra and Bengaluru.
From these respective states (mainly
Maharashtra and Bengaluru), people
Many Indians also migrate towards
migrate one of two ways: to the
the Middle East. As of 2023, over 3.5
Persian Gulf countries; or, to the
Indians (only!) have moved and settled
United States of America.
in the United Arab Emirates
Today, most people migrate from Asia
to USA. The most common states
where Indian migrants settle are New
York, California and Los Angeles.
What Kind of Jobs Do Immigrants Usually Do
in India?
In India, immigrants often find employment in sectors such as
construction, agriculture, domestic work, and services. Many immigrants
from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal work as laborers in
construction projects across major cities. In agriculture, especially in states
like Punjab and Maharashtra, migrant workers are employed for tasks like
harvesting crops. Domestic work, including cleaning, cooking, and
caregiving roles, also attracts immigrants, predominantly from Nepal and
Bangladesh. Additionally, immigrants may work in retail, hospitality, and
small-scale industries. Despite challenges such as low wages, poor working
conditions, and sometimes exploitative practices, these sectors provide
vital employment opportunities for immigrants seeking livelihoods in India.
The government and NGOs often address issues related to migrant
worker rights and welfare to improve their conditions and integration into
the workforce.
Psychological Effects of Migration
1. The feeling of loss due to separation from
homeland.
2. Need to navigate unfamiliar cultural
experiences.
3. High rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD
4. Extreme loneliness
5. Lack of appetite
6. Hardship in integrating with local people and
their mindset
Effects of migration on children
Mental health
Migration can negatively impact children's mental
In 2020, the number of international migrants health, leading to depression, anxiety, post-
reached 281 million; 36 million of them were traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and other
Education
children issues. Factors that can contribute to these issues
include discrimination, loss of community, cultural Migrant children may miss out on education and
distance, and family unit burden proper medical care. Children left behind by
migrating parents may also experience lower
school attendance.
Social and emotional
Children who migrate may have di culty fitting into
new communities and learning new languages.
They may also experience feelings of
abandonment, low self-esteem, and social
dysfunction
Physical
Migrant children may be exposed to chronic
poverty, violence, exploitation, and human tra cking
Effects of Migration on Polictics
Migration significantly impacts politics in various ways. It can alter
demographics, affecting voting patterns and constituency boundaries.
Politically, it can lead to debates on immigration policies, citizenship rights,
and integration strategies, shaping public discourse and party agendas.
Migration also influences government policies on labor markets, welfare
provisions, and cultural diversity, impacting political ideologies and party
platforms. Moreover, migration can create tensions and opportunities for
populist movements, stirring debates on national identity and sovereignty. In
multicultural societies, migration fosters diversity in political representation
and advocacy, influencing policy outcomes and governance structures.
Overall, migration's political effects are profound, shaping both domestic
policies and international relations in an increasingly interconnected world.
Sociological Effects Of Migration
Economic Impact
Migration significantly impacts the economy. Migrants
often fill labor shortages in urban areas, contributing
to growth in sectors like construction, manufacturing,
and services, which sustains urban economies and
boosts national productivity. However, their
departure can cause labor shortages in rural areas,
negatively affecting agricultural productivity and
rural development. Additionally, remittances sent
back by migrants alleviate poverty and improve living
standards in their home regions.
Migration from Bihar to Delhi
Bihar, one of India's poorest states, has a high
rate of out-migration to cities like Delhi.
Migrants from Bihar often work in construction
and low-wage service sectors. The remittances
they send back are crucial for their families,
funding education, healthcare, and daily
expenses. This money flow improves economic
conditions in their home villages but also
reduces the local labor force, impacting
agricultural productivity.
Social Diversity
Migration fosters cultural exchange and diversity,
turning urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, and
Bangalore into melting pots of various cultures,
languages, and traditions. This enriches urban
society but also poses challenges for social
integration. Migrants often face issues of identity,
belonging, and acceptance in their new
environments. While blending cultures can lead to
social tensions and conflicts, it also promotes
tolerance and understanding among diverse
groups.
Migration from Bangladesh to
Assam
Assam has seen significant migration from
Bangladesh, creating a complex cultural interplay.
Bengali culture has enriched Assam’s tapestry,
adding to its language, food, and festivals.
However, this has also sparked social tensions and
conflicts over identity, resources, and political
representation. Integration efforts have had mixed
results, showcasing both the potential for cultural
enrichment and the challenges of social cohesion.
