Hein de Hass, How Migration Really Works: A Factful Guide to the Most Divisive Issue in Politics

Abstract

International migration is a major global issue. It is estimated that 3.6% of the world’s population live outside their country of birth. While most of these immigrants migrate voluntarily and legally, some of them are asylum seekers and illegal migrants. At frst sight, it appears that the number of migrants emigrating from poor and middle-income countries to wealthy countries for work or living is steadily increasing and many of these migrants attempt to cross international borders illegally into the western countries. However, this myth-based portrayal of immigrants increases fears about their uncontrollability, and it reinforce strict immigration policies at the borders. As a result, such policies push immigrants to use dangerous land and sea routes, and the number of deaths and disappearances of the migrants along these routes is increasing.

Keywords

• International migration
• Hein de Hass
• Migration