Unit 5 - Essays - International Migration Flashcards
(3 cards)
Using a case study, explain the causes of one international migration stream. [8]
Case Study: Mexico to the USA
Paragraph 1: Economic push factors from Mexico
Over 40% live below the poverty line; rural wages around $15/day.
Limited healthcare, poor education access, especially in rural southern states like Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Paragraph 2: Social and environmental push factors
Violence from drug cartels and corruption; personal safety concerns.
Environmental pressures like droughts and earthquakes affecting livelihoods, especially in agriculture.
Paragraph 3: Economic pull factors in the USA
Median earnings over 4x higher; demand for low-skilled labor in agriculture, hospitality, construction.
Better services (healthcare, education, security) and opportunity for remittances.
Paragraph 4: Social pull factors and aspirations
Family reunification and strong migration networks (chain migration).
Attraction of the “American Dream” and hope for social mobility.
Conclusion
The main drivers are economic and safety-related push factors, but strong pull factors like family ties and better living standards have sustained Mexico–USA migration for decades.
For the international migration stream chosen in b), how far do you agree that the source areas have benefitted more than the receiving/destination areas?
Case Study: Mexico to the USA
Paragraph 1: Benefits to Mexico (source)
Remittances = over $60 billion in 2023 (4% of GDP); vital for rural households.
Reduced unemployment and population pressure in poor regions.
Paragraph 2: Costs to Mexico (source)
Brain drain and loss of skilled labor (especially in construction and agriculture).
Family disruption: women left behind, abandoned farmland, potential land degradation.
Paragraph 3: Benefits to the USA (receiving)
Cheap labor in sectors with shortages (agriculture, hospitality); economic contributions and taxes.
Cultural diversity: food, language, music; supports service expansion (e.g. Spanish-speaking schools).
Paragraph 4: Costs to the USA (receiving)
Political controversy over undocumented migration and border enforcement.
Strain on public services in some areas and potential wage competition in low-skill sectors.
Conclusion
Judgement: Both countries experience mixed outcomes, but Mexico has arguably benefitted more economically through remittances and labor relief than the U.S., which faces ongoing social and political challenges.
‘Obstacles have a less important role in international economic migration than in other types of international migration’. With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?
Economic Migration: Mexico–USA vs. Forced Migration: Syria–Germany
Paragraph 1: Obstacles in economic migration (Mexico–USA)
Border wall, deserts, and high smuggling costs ($5000+ per migrant).
Tight legal quotas and visa restrictions (e.g., Title 42), fear of deportation.
Paragraph 2: Obstacles in refugee migration (Syria–Germany)
Life-threatening routes via sea/land; dependency on smugglers.
Uncertainty over asylum status; reception camps and traumatic journeys.
Paragraph 3: Why obstacles may be less significant for economic migrants
Some migrants use legal paths (e.g. H-2A visas), or have relatives to help.
Migration can be temporary or seasonal; more flexible than refugee flows.
Paragraph 4: Why obstacles are still serious for economic migrants
Social and linguistic barriers, xenophobia, and undocumented status risks.
Vulnerability to exploitation in informal jobs and poor living conditions.
Conclusion
Judgement: Obstacles are severe in both cases, but they are more dangerous and unpredictable for forced migrants (e.g. Syrians) than economic ones. The statement is mostly true, but economic migrants still face important legal and physical constraints.
