Global Migration creates opportunities and challenges which reflect the unequal power relations between countries AC CASE STUDY: USA

Describe the pattern of immigration to the USA (HISTORIC)

- Settlers (1600s–1800s): Predominantly European settlers for land, labour and religious freedom

- Industrial Expansion (1880–1920): Huge influx from Southern and Eastern Europe (Italy, Poland, Russia). Many worked in factories and urban centers.

- Restriction Era (1924–1965): Quotas favored Northern Europeans; immigration slowed dramatically. Asian immigration was largely barred.

- Post‑1965 Diversification: The Immigration and Nationality Act abolished quotas by nationality, opening doors to Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This reshaped U.S. demographics.

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Describe the pattern of immigration to the USA (MODERN)

Population Share: 2025, about 51.9 million immigrants live in the U.S., making up 15.4% of the population.

Unauthorized Immigration: 10 million undocumented immigrants reside in the U.S., about 3% of the total population.

what happened in to immigration in 2025

- declined due to difficulty with TRUMP's administration with difficulty obtaining visas

which are the main source countries ?

- Origins:

Latin America: Mexico has historically been the largest source, though flows have slowed, due to geographical proximity

Asia: China and India now rival Mexico as top origin countries, especially for skilled workers and students.

Africa & Middle East: Growing numbers, particularly refugees and asylum seekers.

how have government policies influenced the migration patterns of USA?

- US began regulating immigration soon after independence from Great Britain, of which it favoured white people

- early legislation imposed limits that favoured Europeans, sweeping law in 1965 allowed more immigrants to come

- recent years have been influenced by concerns about refugees, illegal immigration and terrorism

- post 1996 immigration act: greater restriction of immigration and building of wall between mexico and US aswell as more border patrol officers (Much more investment)

- 2009-2015: Obama's administration deported 2.5 million mexicans, more than any other adminstration

- 2025 -> visas range up to 100 000$

patterns of emigration from USA

- no tracking but is estimated at 9 milllion

- doubled from 1999 at 4.1 million

main countries and populations of people whom have emigrated

1) Mexico - 899,311 - US born residents of Mexico

2) Canada - 738,203

3) India - 700,000

how has migration created opportunities for the USA?

- presence associated with higher wages and productivity, lower unemployment, higher female workforce participation

- immigrant populations take low paid jobs which native born Americans find unattractive

-> Mexican immigration main employment in services at 29%, natural resources, construction and manufacturing 26% providing significant GDP contributions

- US policy aims to attract highly skilled professions e.g. in 2018 the main employment from China (54%) and India (76%) were in business and science

- most immigrants are young - they balance out the age population structure

How has migration created challenges for the USA?

- propelled the most productive regions forward, widening socio-economic disparities

- estimated 10.9 million unauthorised immigrants in the USA especially from Latin America

- Uneven progress of integration of immigrant groups into US society. Barrier to social cohesion and full economic integration

- in concentrated areas, supplies become overwhelmed

how have migration flows led to interdependence economically?

- 2/3 of US growth is directly attributable to migration

- filled crucial sectors in USA. Mexico investing in human capital combined with US's reliance of migrant workers creates interdependence.

- remittances from emigrants attributes to 4% of the GDP

- US-Mexico- Canada agreements facilitating cross border business e.g exports include vehicles, machinery which facilitates mutual economic growth

how have migration flows led to interdependence politically?

- immigration policies: patterns heavily influenced by political factors -> border enforcement, immigration laws and and bilateral agreements

- flow of migrants has slowed and both nations have addressed border security, refugee protection and workers' rights

- DACA and border issued - controversy surrounding undocumented immigrants esp under the deferred action for childhood arrivals. Mexico advocates rights of migrants including undocumented ones.

- Political dynamics demonstrate the growing inter dependence between the two nations' political decisions.

- They work together to combat drug cartels and human trafficking -> mutual political stakes in ensuring security in both nations

how have migration flows led to interdependence socially?

- cultural exchange - slowing migration has encouraged more permanent settlement patterns ergo more cultural exchange. Bridges art, music, food, language celebrations e.g. cinco de mayo and Dia de los muertos

- social times and family ties - U.S born mexicans maintain close relationships with relatives in Mexico via family visits and digital communcations.

- Shared challenges e.g. COVID 19 require bilateral cooperation. They coordinate together on managing migrant shelters and humanitarian aid during times of crisis and ultimately makes both lives easier.

interdependence with Mexico

- boosts real wages for 90% of native born workers. They increase because immigrants complement native workers' skill profiles allowing U.S workers to specialise in higher paying jobs.

-> for every immigrant, an additional job is created

- not a problem for US deficit because immigrants pay more taxes than they receive in services

- if an immigrant is unauthorised, they are ineligible for all welfare benefits