Read the first part of a report on immigration from the website of a European think tank and answer the following questions. 1 What are the reasons for people migrating? 2 What is the difference between emigration in the past and nowadays? 3 Which factors are decisive for a successful integration of immigrants? 4 Why is it important to integrate the children and grandchildren of immigrants? b https://www.mobility.com Migration, immigration, emigration The majority of migrants are neither adventurers nor welfare scroungers or profiteers after economic gains; nor are they necessarily the poorest of the poor. The decision to emigrate and leave one’s home country and, often, one’s family, is not easy; it requires courage, desperation or both. Even though a lot of migration takes place within countries – from country to town, agriculture to industry – the number of international migrants has been rising in recent years. International migrants – people who have lived outside their home countries for a year or more - account for more than 3.5% of the world population, with numbers rising. The estimates are based on official national statistics that are regularly published by the United Nations. Before the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, those who move temporarily, either to study or to work abroad or as tourists, were a fast-growing group. Despite a 60% decline in international tourism in 2020, particularly young people will continue to be mobile. Why do people move? Push and pull factors ■ ■ People move in search of security and freedom, away from political or religious persecution, natural catastrophes, war or corruption. An example of this was the brain drain from Germany and Austria when Jewish scientists fled from persecuction in the 1930s. ■ ■ They hope for better lives and chances for their children. ■ ■ They seek economic gains. The wages paid for the same work in different parts of the world differ much more than the prices of goods, for example. The higher the income disparity between two countries or regions, the stronger the incentive to migrate. ■ ■ An existing network of family or friends in the country of destination makes the decision to leave easier. Certain nationalities cluster in certain countries or areas, like e.g. Chinese immigrants in the Toronto and Vancouver areas of Canada or the large influx of Algerians into France, a phenomenon known as demographic balkanisation. Settling in / integration Due to modern means of transport and communication, today’s migrants are able to keep strong links to their countries of origin, making emigration no longer as irrevocable as it used to be. The question of integration – settling into a new culture – is equally difficult. Often participating in both cultures and cultivating both their mother tongue and the language spoken in the host country, modern migrants are considered ‘transmigrants’ by immigration experts who describe them as ‘transnational identities’. Border areas where people commute between countries – e.g. the border region between Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – are referred to as ‘transnational spaces.’ As soon as people are ready to cut the link with their country of origin and settle in their country of choice for good, integration becomes an issue. People generally agree that the key to economic and social integration is language. Mastering the language of the host country undoubtedly boosts the earning power of immigrants. The second most important factor is education and schooling, which is essential for the integration of second and third generation immigrants. The better educated and skilled the immigrant parents are, and the higher their linguistic competence in the language spoken in the host country is, the better both the performance at school and, later, the employment opportunities of their children. Future generations With unemployment, petty crime and religious fundamentalism on the rise among second-generation immigrants – and with right-wing political groups playing on the fears of the native population – the integration of immigrants’ children and grandchildren will be the biggest challenge of future policies. Language skills Extras Explore 1 Immigration, diversity and inclusion 11 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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