Introduction to Immigration

Lee’s Basic Migration Model

Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration Ravenstein came up with his "laws" of migration in the 1880s based on

studies carried out in the UK. Most migrants only go a short distance at one time. Long distance migrations are for those who come from large cities. Most migration is from rural areas to urban areas. Most international migrants consist of young males between the ages of

20 and 45. Most migrations proceed in step-by-step processes. Each migration flow produces at least one counterflow. Females remain more migratory than the males within their country. Migration increases in volume as industries develop and transportation

improves. The economy is a major factor in migration.

Zelinsky’s mobility transition model

History of immigration in the US 60 mn people have entered since 1820. 1901-1910 – highest recorded rate – 8.75mn newcomers

arrived. Sharply fell after 1914. 1924 – ‘national origins quotas’ introduced to reduce

immigration rates, especially from eastern & southern Europe. Largest quotas offered to British, Irish & German immigrants (70% in total).

Racist overtones led to abolition in 1965. The 1965 Act set an annual limit of 120,000 immigrants from the Western Hemisphere and 170,000 from Eastern Hemisphere – equal chance of acceptance.

White Migration 1800-1910 – 40mn from Europe. Settled initially in the NE to work in industry and on

the land. As the west opened up, movement took place westwards to California aided by the railways.

Recent internal migration to ‘Sunbelt’ of west and south – for retirement and to new industrial growth and out of desire to move out fo the cities.

Consequences – brought capital, expertise & labour.Rich cultural & political mix, rising living standards,

products shifted back to Europe & helped further growth.

Black Migration 1750-1850 15mn slaves from West Africa. After Civil War & abolition of slavery, many moved

to industrial cities in the North & settled in black ghettos.

Since 1945 move west to large metropolitan centres of California.

Recent counter-migration back to the south attracted by oil and technology boom.

Consequences: Higher fertility rates than whites, rich labour source, culture, racial tension, discrimination, ghettos

Consequences of policy changes Europe the major source region, has been overtaken

since 1970 by the rest of the Americas & by Asia. Economic recession reopened the debate, as 5mn

immigrants arrived 1991-6. Some Americans argued the immigrants were taking scarce jobs, racial tensions were voiced as well as the impact on welfare system.

1993 – Hardening attitudes – 60% of Americans seeing the current levels as worrying.

Spatially selective 1995 – 55% of all immigration was to just 4 states –

California, NY, Florida & Texas.Reasons*Location of existing immigrant communities.*Availability of employment in 4 most populous states.*The land border with Mexico for California & Texas &

Florida’s proximity to Caribbean countries.(1/4 of Californians in 1997 were born outside the US,

in LA it is 40%, NY 16% and 9.5% is the US average)

Recent migration trends West to California and south to Gulf states,

partly a flow of retired people to warmer areas but much is due to more job opportunities.

Decentralisation from large cities to the outer fringes and beyond.

Recent immigration amounting to 8 mn mainly from Mexico and Puerto Rico to the South and West to work in agriculture.