migration with intent

Francesca from the “global village” blog provides an interesting follow up to our previous post a two-way street regarding the intent of migrants:

When we move to a new country, why are we really leaving our old home, and why are we claiming a new one? I think for some immigrants the move is political. They leave their homes fleeing persecution. For others it is economic. They anticipate jobs and a better environment to raise their offspring. And for others, it is pure cosmopolitan curiosity. It is the thrill of the new. It is the chance to absorb and live within a different culture. But perhaps we have not completely been honest with ourselves if we think that when an immigrant moves to a new country, it is with the expectation that they will fully embrace their new home’s culture.

Understanding the key reasons why people migrate is the first step to create a foundation that will lead to smart policy around integration of these migrants into their chosen destination. Using a marketing technique that is common nowadays, in order to provide a real good experience, societies should carefully analyze the various personas considering immigrating and provide a specific path for them to realize their dreams.
Looking back at some of my posts, there is already a good amount of data regarding the most relevant personas and their migration stories:

• Seeking fortune: while it is mostly speculative, the lebanese girl talks about a migrant crossing the ocean at the end of the XIX century chasing after the Gold Rush in the U.S.
• Reuniting the family: the same post talks about a couple of kids following the steps of their uncle in an attempt to reunite the family. However ill-fated their journey is, it represents a very powerful instinct to keep relatives together regardless of adverse conditions. Another example is given by the multicultural engine with its reference to the stereotypical chinese family
• Following industries: while it is an effect mostly observed between rural & urban areas, there are plenty of cases where the degree of specialization that a person has accomplished allows (or forces) them to apply for qualified opportunities elsewhere. In cultural diversity as a strategy we learn about workers of the oilsands coming from all corners of the world with only one thing in common: their ability to do that particular type of job.
• Commuting abroad: the possibility of transportation across long distances has made possible for people to commute really long distances to find a decent source of income. While the commute may take them across borders and require them to stay there for months at a time, they will always come back home to sustain their family. The post more guest workers provides a good account of the sad reality that these people face these days. the chicano network is also a good read about this type of migrants

While I don’t think I’ve posted about other important personas such as the refugees or the global citizens in search of adventure I’ll try to keep this list current and over time propose strategies that societies can adopt to integrate them. Ultimately this important because proper integration of migrants allows our global culture to evolve. Failing to implement the right policies will polarize societies, promote the creation of ghetos and result in social instability.