In-Depth Notes on Migration and Crises

Migration is a significant aspect of everyday life, influenced by diverse factors:
- Pursuit of opportunities such as better jobs and education.
- Reunification with family members.
- Escaping social or political turmoil.
- Environmental challenges such as climate change.
Historical context of migration:
- Countries like the US and Australia have developed largely due to migration.
- Examples of large-scale emigration include Vietnam, Cuba, and Ireland.
- Forced migrations occur, for instance, during the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, leading to the displacement of 14 million people.
Current statistics:
- In 2020, 82.4 million individuals were forcibly displaced worldwide, a figure comparable to WWII death tolls.
- Many live in poor conditions, highlighting an urgent need for international attention.

Security-Related Migration:
- Individuals flee war, persecution, or environmental disasters:
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within their country.
- Refugees when crossing international borders.
- Refugee status determination (RSD) is complex and managed by host states or organizations like the UNHCR.
- Significant cases include:
- Syrian refugees due to the civil war exacerbated by Islamic State actions, leading to 10 million displaced.
- By 2019, 83% of Syrians displaced had sought refuge in neighboring countries (e.g., Lebanon, Turkey).
Migration for Employment:
- Includes expatriates, diplomats, and humanitarian workers.
- Regulation of migration often favors high-skilled workers, leaving lower-skilled workers vulnerable (e.g., agricultural and construction sectors).
Push and Pull Factors:
- Push factors: war, lack of jobs, disasters.
- Pull factors: safety, job opportunities, healthier environments.
- Migrants often do not fit neatly into voluntary vs. forced categories; many factors overlap.

Traditional perspectives often view migration through a male lens, emphasizing male breadwinners.
Feminist scholars emphasize women’s roles in transnational care chains, as they migrate for caregiving roles and leave dependents behind.
The gendered aspect of migration poses unique challenges and considerations.

States exert control over migration through:
- Strict visa regimes and border controls.
- Different systems for managing migrant statuses (e.g., China's hukou system).
- Issues arise when access to migration becomes restricted, often based on socio-economic status.
Racialization in migration policy:
- Historical context of racialized laws (e.g., Australia’s Migration Restriction Act of 1901).
- Contemporary policies favor high-skilled migrants while limiting options for lower-skilled individuals.

1951 UN Refugee Convention defines refugees and outlines state obligations.
- Refugee criteria focus on persecution based on:
- Race
- Political opinion
- Nationality
- Religion
- Social group membership
- The principle of non-refoulement is critical for protecting refugees.
Limitations of existing frameworks:
- The convention does not address internally displaced persons and lacks clarity on climate refugees.
- New challenges demand revisions to international law and frameworks to accommodate today’s realities of migration.

European Migrant Crisis (2015):
- Triggered by conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and other regions, leading to over 1.2 million asylum applications, predominantly from conflict zones.
- Responses varied, with EU states struggling with policies and public sentiment.
Venezuelan Exodus:
- Economic collapse amidst political repression and crisis.
- An estimated five million people have left Venezuela, highlighting regional dynamics and shifts in migration.
Morocco as a Migratory Landscape:
- Transitioning from an emigration country to a transit state due to European pressure.
- National regularization campaigns have had mixed success; ongoing violence and human rights issues persist.

Migration trends indicate environmental factors will increasingly drive movements (e.g., climate change).
Urgent questions of global responsibility and collaborative international policy-making to address evolving migrant needs are necessary.
The chapter urges a nuanced understanding of migration that goes beyond simplistic push-and-pull models, considering the intersectionality of social factors influencing migrant experiences.