Immigration Key Terms and Types of Migrants in Global Contexts

Voluntary migration

Choice to move for a better life or job.

Forced migration

When people are forced to move due to threats like war or persecution.

Push factors

Negative conditions that drive people away from their home.

Pull factors

Positive conditions that attract people to a new country.

Border policies

Rules governing the movement of people and goods across national borders.

Immigration law

Laws that govern who can enter and remain in a country.

Xenophobia

Unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or immigrants.

Nationalism

Movement based on the belief that loyalty to your country is important.

Social integration

Process of incorporating and integrating people into society ensuring equality.

Globalization

Process of when countries and people are more connected through trade, technology, or culture.

Human mobility

Movement of people from one place to another.

Climate migration

When people are forced to move from their homes due to changes in climate.

Migrant

A person who moves from place to place to find better opportunities.

Refugee

Someone forced to flee their country due to war or persecution (Law protects them).

Asylum seeker

Someone asking for protection in another country.

Undocumented / irregular migrant

Someone living in a country without legal documentation.

Economic migrant

A person moving for better working opportunities.

Refugee vs. economic migrant

Comparison category of two types of migrants.