Why Do People Want to Immigrate: Factors of Economic and Personal Motivations
Introduction to the Phenomenon of Migration
Migration, a widespread and ancient phenomenon, has numerous drivers. From survival instincts to seeking better economic prospects, individuals migrate for a variety of reasons. This article explores the key motivations behind international migration, focusing on economic opportunities, personal safety, and a higher quality of life. It also delves into the theoretical framework of migration as part of economic development, arguing that higher real wages are the primary driving force.
Economic Opportunities and Personal Safety
One of the primary reasons people migrate is the pursuit of better economic opportunities. For instance, individuals may move from developing countries to more economically stable regions in search of higher salaries and employment opportunities. The article discusses a personal case of a medical professional who was unable to practice medicine in the Philippines but found a way to do so in the United States due to the country's immigration and citizenship policies.
Case Study: A Medical Professional's Journey
A doctor from the Philippines, who obtained American citizenship in five years, was able to resume medical practice in the United States after being unable to get a permanent resident status in his home country for 24 years. This case underscores the importance of citizenship and immigration policies in facilitating economic migration.
General Theory of Migration: A Broader Perspective
The general theory of migration is closely intertwined with the broader theory of economic development. According to Prof. M Gani, migration is fundamentally a geographical event characterized by the movement of labor from one place to another in search of higher real wages.
The Necessary and Sufficient Condition: Higher Real Wage
The theory posits that an increase in labor productivity leading to higher real wage is the primary driver of migration. This theory is supported by historical instances of labor migration, from the move from woodlands to grasslands, to the transition from agrarian villages to industrial towns. The key economic imperative is the pursuit of higher real wages, which often entails geographical relocation.
Preconditions for Labor Migration
For labor migration to occur, the geographical dispersion of land with different productivity features plays a crucial role. For example, early human societies migrated to grasslands for the domestication of herbivores, and later to croplands for agricultural purposes. Similarly, the advancement of industrial technology led to the establishment of towns and cities, which then became magnets for labor migration.
Advancements in Technology and Urbanization
Technological advancements, especially in the contextual of the information revolution, have further facilitated migration. Prominent services like global digital services have driven people to megacities, further emphasizing the importance of economic opportunities.
Obstacles to Migration
While the economic imperative is strong, cultural and political obstacles can hamper migration. Cultural fundamentalism and political restrictions can influence immigration laws. However, these obstacles tend to be swept aside in the face of the relentless pressure for higher real wages.
Conclusion: Unceasing Migration Until Full Urbanization
The article concludes by stating that migration will continue until nearly all the world's population resides in urbanized areas, with an emphasis on the pursuit of higher real wages and the development of service economies. The relentless drive for better economic opportunities makes people willing to violate cultural norms and political laws to migrate, ensuring a continuous flow of labor to where it is most valued.