Describe two reasons why people migrate and include one push and one pull factor. Describe the regulation of borders that they might encounter. Address two moral arguments for not regulating migration.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Correct answer varies. Today, while there is variation among nation-states, "there is not a single state that allows free access to all immigrants." Among the push factors are the desire of migrants for better or safer lives; problems in the home country, such as unemployment and low pay, making it difficult or impossible for migrants to achieve their goals; and major disruptions such as war, famine, political and religious persecution, and economic depression. Pull factors include features of the host country such as it being a nation at peace and having a favorable immigration policy, a prosperous economy, higher pay and lower unemployment, available food, formal and informal networks that cater to immigrants, labor shortages, and language and culture like those of the home country. Economically, immigration has had positive-not negative-effects on the economies of the U.S. and other developed nations. There are two basic moral arguments in support of freer migration. First, as an end in itself, free mobility is "a universal and basic human right." Second, instrumentally, free migration is a means of achieving greater economic and political justice.