Globalization, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has a definition as ‘the movement of people and products across borders’. Put plainly, globalization makes the world more interconnected, which means that individuals, ideas, and products have less of a barrier to entry between nations. And in globalization, human migration is at the heart. Human beings go abroad to find better jobs, buy into new markets, or broadcast their creativity in territories where it might not be available in their nations.
But globalization has its foes, and migration is one of them. For instance, one of the motivations behind the 2016 Brexit referendum (the UK voted to exit the European Union) was immigration. As the WEF notes: “the majority of the discussion centered on freedom of movement in the EU. Others feared that a flood of migrants from outside the EU would damage local employment markets, and the economy and even subvert British culture in ways they did not like.
Globalization and Migration: An Old Couple Relationship
Although many might imagine globalization as being about new things, such as shipping containers, airplanes, and the Internet, the cross-border mobility of people and goods is nothing new. Globalization, in one form or another, has been with us for centuries. Trade routes like the Silk Road bonded Asia, the Middle East, and Europe centuries before the modern world. Traders had passed the Indian Ocean for centuries, exchanging commodities, thoughts, and customs.
True globalization sped up only in the Age of Discovery (15th century) when European travelers opened new trading and migration trajectories between the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) and the New World (the Americas). This was the beginning of an era of exponential migration and trade, for which we have now a globalized world.
The Argument: Are Borders Always Open for Migration?
We live in an era where both sides of the globalization coin are on fire, at least in the issue of migration. Some pro-open borders activists say that if migration laws weren’t so stringent, then workers could migrate more easily to where they are most needed. They think that this would make labor more effectively distributed around the world, generating growth and global GDP. They argue that if people could move freely as they can goods, this would open up new economies and reduce global poverty.
However, not everyone is sold on unfettered migration. No nation has free trade, they note, and migration controls must be introduced to safeguard local economies and employment. Such opponents claim that opening borders would create a host of economic issues, such as over-reliance on public services, pay inequity, and wage competition. They think that immigration laws and trade policies are required to balance global opportunity with the interests and protections of individual nations.
The Progression of Immigration and Globalisation.
Just as technology continues to advance, so too will the immigration/globalization argument. Some see globalization as the way to greater prosperity for everyone, while others worry about the social and economic implications of more open migration policies. What will be hard is to balance the free movement of human resources with an economy and community not being harmed in the process.
Immigration and globalization, ultimately, are knotty. More interconnected nations will keep migration a central element in economies, cultures, and societies. Knowing what the positives and negatives of globalization are is vital as we negotiate these questions in the coming years.
Challenges Associated with Migration in a Globalized World
Despite the benefits of migration, globalization has also created significant challenges:
1. Loss of Control:
States often struggle to maintain control over immigration flows as globalization reduces barriers. This can lead to increased illegal migration and human trafficking, highlighting the darker aspects of globalization.
2. Human Rights Concerns:
The movement of people across borders raises important human rights issues. Migrants may face discrimination, exploitation, and violence, particularly in regions where legal protections are weak or nonexistent.
3. Economic Disparities:
While globalization can create opportunities for migrants, it can also exacerbate inequalities. Many migrants find themselves in precarious employment situations with limited rights and protections
To find out more about immigration and globalization in your country or business, or for immigration advice, you can turn to professionals at Law and Visas to make sure you are up to speed with what is happening with immigration regulations and global mobility.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an L-1 Visa or an EB-5 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
