JANUARY 20, 2007 – Worldwide Migration

Please join BIAHC at the Bainbridge Public Library (1270 Madison Ave. N.) on Saturday, January 20, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. for coffee, refreshments, a 30-minute video, and a Great Decisions community discussion on this timely issue. (Note the time change for this first program; future programs will be from 9 - 10:30 am.)

Great Decisions is a nation-wide, non-partisan program of the Foreign Policy Association to broaden public involvement with the most important foreign policy issues facing the United States. For information, go to http://www.fpa.org/

The January 20 topic is “Worldwide Migration." The movement of people across international borders can be initiated by conflict, economic reasons, or the chance to achieve political freedoms. Migration issues have taken center-stage in the U.S. and EU, as citizens increasingly worry about job security and terrorism. What are the advantages and disadvantages for countries that are affected by migration?

To assist with advance preparation, please review the relevant pages of the attached Great Decisions Briefing Book. A copy of the Briefing Book is also available at the library for photo-copying.

World Bank Report: Migration and Remittances – Eastern Europe and Central Asia

On Tuesday, January 16th, the World Bank issued a report on migration and remittances in eastern Europe and Central Asia since the fall of the Berlin Wall. It shows some surprising trends. An initial surge of migration was attributed to ethnic reconsolidation after the removal of artificial barriers. Since then, migration has slowed but remains a significant force, helping to reshape lives and whole economies throughout the region.

Migration in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) is unique and significant: ECA accounts for one-third of all developing country emigration, and Russia is the second largest immigration country worldwide. Migrants’ remittances, as a portion of gross domestic product, are also large by world standards in many of the net emigration countries of the region. Economic motivations and expectations regarding improvements in the quality of life at home currently drive short-term, long-term, and circular migration flows within ECA and between ECA and Western Europe.

This report traces the trends of international migration and remittances in the region since the transition and their determinants. The report also looks at international migration policy in the region and how current bilateral migration schemes can be improved.

For both an overview and a copy of the complete report, go to:

http://web.worldbank.org

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Great Decisions Briefing Book pages (PDF) by Douglas S. Massey: MORE>>

Other recommended background readings:

As part of its series on global migration, BBC News Online looks at the numbers of people migrating, where they are going and some of the implications of migration. http://news.bbc.co.uk

Final report of the Global Commission on International Migration, Migration in an Interconnected World: New Directions for Action. http://www.un-ngls.org

A Passage to Hope: Women and International Migration. Report from the United Nations Population Fund. http://www.unfpa.orgl

In July 2006, European nations met in Morocco to discuss ways to help finance development in Africa to tackle the poverty and violence that fuel illegal immigration to Europe. http://www.washingtonpost.com

Also: Moroccans risk death to enter Europe illegally. http://www.findarticles.com

Taking on the veil: West looks to assimilation. From Britain to Australia, unease grows over the separateness of many of the West's Muslim communities. Christian Science Monitor.http://www.csmonitor.com

Where have all our migrants gone? Eastern Europe wants them back. http://www.csmonitor.com

A comprehensive site offering information on international migration.
http://www.migrationinformation.org

The remaining discussions are scheduled to take place at the library on February 17, March 17 & 31, April 14 & 28, and May 12 & 26, with each date's topic selected at the preceding discussion. Future topics are:

The Middle East
Climate Change
Mexico
South Africa
War Crimes
Central Asia
Children

 

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