The Future of Migration: A Discussion with Hein de Haas
Dec 23, 2023
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Hein de Haas, the author of 'How Migration Really Works: The Facts About the Most Divisive Issue in Politics', discusses the myths and facts surrounding migration. He explores the challenges of integration, the role of migrants in industries, and the gap between rhetoric and action on immigration. The guests also highlight the complexities of migration policies in Europe and emphasize the importance of migration as a form of development and investment.
There is no overwhelming wave of global migration or crisis; the impression of an unprecedented migration crisis is not supported by the data.
Integration of immigrants has been successful in the long term, with historical examples showing that populations considered impossible to assimilate have successfully integrated.
Deep dives
Misconception about Global Migration Crisis
A common myth in the immigration debate is the belief that there is an overwhelming wave of global migration or a crisis. While politicians, both on the right and the left, propose different solutions, the data shows a more nuanced picture. International migrants make up about 3% of the world population, a figure that has remained stable for the past 50 years. The percentage of refugees and illegal migrants also remains relatively constant over the long term. The impression of an unprecedented migration crisis is not supported by the data.
Structural Increase in Migration and Labor Demand
There has been a structural increase in migration to Western countries driven by labor demand. The UK, for example, has seen an increase in immigration due to growing labor shortages in both higher and lower skilled work. However, this is not primarily about illegal migration or uncontrolled borders. The increase in migration is a result of structural shifts in the global economy and demographics. The UK and other Western countries have become destinations for migrants, but the narrative of being overwhelmed by migrants is not supported by the data.
Integration and the Success of Immigrants
Integration of immigrants has been a success in the long term. While tensions may arise in the short term, the vast majority of immigrants become part of their host society within two or three generations. Historical examples, such as Southern Europeans, Irish, and Jews, show that populations once considered impossible to assimilate have successfully integrated. The key is to focus on long-term perspectives and provide opportunities for immigrants to participate in society, such as access to education and employment.
Addressing the Economic Factor of Migration
The issue of migration cannot be divorced from the labor market and the structural demand for immigrant workers. Attempts to reduce immigration without addressing the underlying labor market forces are futile. Many politicians promise less immigration, but their policies do not align with the structural need for immigrant labor. Countries like Japan have made different choices by restructuring their labor markets and accepting lower economic growth. Europe and the United States need to have a fundamental debate about the kind of society and economy they want and determine how to reconcile their labor market needs and immigration policies.
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.