The Future of Migration: A Discussion with Hein de Haas
Dec 23, 2023
auto_awesome
Hein de Haas, author of 'How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics,' busts myths about migration and discusses labor demand, poverty's impact on migration, remittances, immigration discourse, and policy practices.
Migrant labor is crucial for Western countries' economies, and policies should focus on integration and providing opportunities for immigrants.
Integration of immigrant populations has been successful in the long term, but short-term tensions can be addressed through access to education, employment, and participation in society.
Deep dives
Migration myths debunked
A common myth is that there is an unprecedented global migration crisis. However, data shows that international migrants make up only 3% of the world population, and this percentage has remained stable over the last 50 years. Another myth is that poverty reduction will decrease migration, but evidence suggests that migration actually increases with development and education. Structural changes in the economy, such as a shift towards temporary contracts and increased labor demand, play a significant role in attracting migrants. Politicians' rhetoric often does not align with their policies, and there is a discourse between what is said and what is actually done. Migration is essential for economies, and policies need to be focused on integration and providing opportunities for immigrants.
Integration and the long-term perspective
Integration of immigrant populations has been successful in the long term. While concerns about tensions and segregation in the short term exist, time and again, immigrants have become fully integrated within two or three generations. There is a need to differentiate between the short-term and long-term perspectives on integration. Official policies in Western Europe initially focused on migrants eventually returning to their home countries, but the recognition that immigrants are here to stay has been a relatively recent development. Multiculturalism has been a response to this change, but it is important to enable access to education, employment, and participation in society in order to address social tensions and promote integration.
The economic dependence on migrant labor
Western countries, including Europe and the United States, are structurally dependent on migrant labor. The political rhetoric surrounding anti-immigration sentiments often does not align with economic realities. Despite calls for reducing immigration, labor shortages persist in various sectors, leading to a reliance on migrant workers. The policies pursued by governments, regardless of their political affiliation, have not shown significant differences in practice. Fundamental restructuring of labor markets and economies would be necessary to decrease dependency on immigration. The Brexit decision, for example, saw a reduction in migration from Eastern Europe, but the gaps have been filled by workers from Central Asia, South Asia, and Africa. Without substantial policy changes, the structural demand for migrant labor will continue.
The changing dynamics of global migration
The global migration landscape is changing, with more countries becoming destinations for migrants. Middle-income countries, such as Mexico, Morocco, Turkey, India, and the Philippines, are experiencing increased migration as development and education lead to greater mobility. Aging populations in Western countries and the opening of new labor markets in emerging countries are contributing to these shifts. China, in particular, with its demographic challenges and potential political stability, may become a major migrant destination in the future. The debate on migration needs to encompass the kind of society we want to live in and address the causes and consequences of migration rather than focusing solely on reducing or increasing numbers.
Immigration has become one of the biggest issues in all western democracies. And the debate is so charged it's hard to know who to believe. Which is why Hein de Haas has written How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics(Basic Books, 2023). Listen to him bust some myths with Owen Bennett-Jones.
Owen Bennett-Jones is a freelance journalist and writer. A former BBC correspondent and presenter he has been a resident foreign correspondent in Bucharest, Geneva, Islamabad, Hanoi and Beirut. He is recently wrote a history of the Bhutto dynasty which was published by Yale University Press.
