Migration: Security and development

After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the migration issue became linked with threat of extremism and terrorism.  But such an association is flawed despite the popular belief that the status of being an illegal migrant could predispose an individual to terrorism.  The main motivations for migration include fleeing violence and persecution, seeking greater economic opportunity, and state failure.  Migration is a social-political phenomenon that can promote development in the migrant’s country of origin and country of destination.  Migrants can supplement the labor force in the country where they settle, and promote economic growth.  By continuing to define immigration as a security threat, many countries limit the possible positive effects of immigration ...