Global Migration Research Articles

The Governance of Internal Migration: Learning from the Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Policy Responses of Indian States

While the governance of global migration is a growing conversation in policy and academia, internal migration has remained under-researched and under-represented as an area of focus. The increased policy attention on internal migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for examining the governance of internal migration. Drawing on a review of literature and two consequent rounds of an ex ante policy indexing tool—the Interstate Migrant Policy Index (IMPEX) 2019 and IMPEX 2021—this article focuses on policies formulated by Indian state governments that are prominent recipients of internal migrants in the pre- and post-pandemic period. We find that while the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the vulnerability of low-income internal migrants in India, it only partially translated into long-term policy measures. This article demonstrates that the complexity of migration policymaking governance in federal democracies like India is an important aspect of global migration governance. It argues that such a focus will enable a number of developing economies to refine labour and social protection policies toward sustainable economics and human development. The article motivates a research and policy agenda that can especially help developing countries improve labour mobility patterns for economic development as well as ensure fuller coverage of social welfare measures in response to climate migration.

Global Labor Migration: New Directions

Global Labor Migration: New Directions

The genomic history and global migration of a windborne pest.

Many insect pests, including the brown planthopper (BPH), undergo windborne migration that is challenging to observe and track. It remains controversial about their migration patterns and largely unknown regarding the underlying genetic basis. By analyzing 360 whole genomes from around the globe, we clarify the genetic sources of worldwide BPHs and illuminate a landscape of BPH migration showing that East Asian populations perform closed-circuit journeys between Indochina and the Far East, while populations of Malay Archipelago and South Asia undergo one-way migration to Indochina. We further find round-trip migration accelerates population differentiation, with highly diverged regions enriching in a gene desert chromosome that is simultaneously the speciation hotspot between BPH and related species. This study not only shows the power of applying genomic approaches to demystify the migration in windborne migrants but also enhances our understanding of how seasonal movements affect speciation and evolution in insects.

Research on the effects of ocean current on nuclear wastewater in Japan

According to reports, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station nuclear pollution water drainage project has been completed. Subsequently, Tokyo Electric Power will directly discharge nuclear wastewater into the ocean through a subsea tunnel connecting the land. These nuclear wastewater will be discharged to the waters near the Tropic of Cancer, which is greatly affected by the Japanese warm current, and nuclear wastewater will be taken around the world through ocean currents. German research institutions point out that within a month from the date of discharge of Fukushima nuclear wastewater, its radioactive material will spread to most of the Pacific Ocean, which will seriously affect global fish migration, ocean fisheries, human health and ecological security. Due to the impact of the global ocean current, China's East China Sea, the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea will also be affected by nuclear waste water pollution. Based on this, this text will start from the impact of the El Nino warm current on the flow of nuclear wastewater, and will soon explain the impact of Japan's dumping of nuclear wastewater on global security, and from a personal perspective on the current view of environmental protection and governance.

Соціально-економічні виклики інтеграції та просторового розподілу внутрішньо переміщених осіб унаслідок війни

The full-scale Russian military aggression against Ukraine launched on February 24, 2022 has led to a massive flow of forced migrants, both external and internal, which is unprecedented and the most massive forced displacement in Europe since World War II. So far, there is a significant inequality of attention to the socio-economic needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, because most activities of international institutions and scientific attention are devoted to the needs and study of refugees, while the needs of IDPs are often “ignored” or understudied in terms of disproportionate spatial distribution of IDPs, challenges of integration into host communities, problems of consolidation of IDPs and local population, etc. The analysis of the existing body of literature on Ukrainian IDPs showed that the study of their current socio-economic situation, problems with integration into host communities and features of spatial distribution is poorly represented for the period of a full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war against the background of a huge body of pre-2022 literature. Taking into account such an insignificant body of literature on post-2022 Ukrainian IDPs, the main tasks of this study are twofold: (1) to fill the gap and expand the spectrum of knowledge about the current socio-economic situation of Ukrainian IDPs and the key problems of their integration into host communities in the conditions of a full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war; (2) analyze positive and negative international practices of IDP integration and develop recommendations for Ukraine. This article is devoted to the analysis of trends and the identification of the main socio-economic challenges of the integration and spatial distribution of Ukrainian IDPs, as well as the development of proposals for using their migration potential for the resilient development of Ukraine and host communities. The novelty of the research lies in the highlighting of positive and negative international practices of IDP integration and, as a result, the necessity of forming long-term solutions regarding the urgent socio-economic needs of Ukrainian IDPs and their spatial placement is emphasized. The dataset of the study was formed on the basis of data from reports of various international organizations and data from official state statistics. To achieve the goal of the article, quantitative methods are used, in particular, descriptive statistics and ranking. It was established that in the global context, Ukraine ranks third in the world by the number of IDPs, and their number is almost 6 million people (7 times more than before the full-scale Russian invasion), which definitely impacts the course of global migration processes. In the national context, it was found that the pattern of the spatial distribution of IDPs within the country indicates that most IDPs gravitate to the regions where the role of the regional centre is performed by one of the five metropolises of Ukraine (not including temporarily occupied Donetsk) — Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Lviv, which are powerful socio-economic centres and flagships of the country’s settlement system. It was found that the biggest challenges for the socioeconomic integration of IDPs into host communities are high unemployment, financial difficulties in meeting basic needs, housing problems, social stigmatization, as well as conflicts between IDPs and the population of host communities. The analysis showed that the current situation with Ukrainian IDPs requires from the government of Ukraine and the authorities of the host communities not short-term, but longterm solutions to the urgent problems of IDPs: in particular, social housing and proper housing conditions, social protection, avoiding shameful international practices of spatial placement of IDPs and much more.

Reviewing research methods on adult migrants’ digital literacy

This article presents a selective literature review covering the period from 2016 to 2023, focusing on research published in peer-reviewed journals, to examine the methodologies employed in investigating the digital literacy of adult migrants and refugees. Three distinct approaches emerged: digital use study, ethnography, and pedagogical experimentation and intervention. These methods offer unique perspectives and complement each other in exploring how digital literacy can empower migrants to actively engage in the evolving digital landscape and facilitate language learning. The findings from a subset of 14 studies included in this review were categorized into a digital literacy taxonomy, aiming to inform language teaching practices tailored to the needs of migrants. This research addresses the urgent need for adapting language teaching and curricula in host countries to accommodate the increasing global migration and digitalization of learning. Additionally, suggestions for future research directions are provided to gain a deeper understanding of the specific digital literacy needs of this population and enhance the linguistic skills and social inclusion of newcomers.

From sub-Saharan Africa to China: Evolutionary history and adaptation of Drosophila melanogaster revealed by population genomics.

Drosophila melanogaster is a widely used model organism for studying environmental adaptation. However, the genetic diversity of populations in Asia is poorly understood, leaving a notable gap in our knowledge of the global evolution and adaptation of this species. We sequenced genomes of 292 D. melanogaster strains from various ecological settings in China and analyzed them along with previously published genome sequences. We have identified six global genetic ancestry groups, despite the presence of widespread genetic admixture. The strains from China represent a unique ancestry group, although detectable differentiation exists among populations within China. We deciphered the global migration and demography of D. melanogaster, and identified widespread signals of adaptation, including genetic changes in response to insecticides. We validated the effects of insecticide resistance variants using population cage trials and deep sequencing. This work highlights the importance of population genomics in understanding the genetic underpinnings of adaptation, an effort that is particularly relevant given the deterioration of ecosystems.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Cultural Identity and Acculturation in The Context of Global Migration

Objective: This interdisciplinary research explores cultural identity and acculturation in Asian countries during global migration, providing insights into migrant experiences, discrimination, and acculturation processes, aiming for policymakers' understanding. Theoretical Framework: This interdisciplinary research explores cultural identity and acculturation in Asian countries through a framework incorporating acculturation theories, cultural identity studies, and migration and discrimination literature. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of migrant communities' experiences and interactions with host cultures, shedding light on the complexities of identity formation. Method: The research uses a mixed-methods approach to study cultural identity and acculturation among migrant communities in Asian countries. It uses a purposive sampling strategy, collects data through surveys, interviews, and cultural analysis tools. The findings are integrated using statistical techniques and analyzed thematically. Ethical considerations are followed to protect participants' rights and confidentiality. This approach provides nuanced insights into the experiences and challenges faced by migrants in diverse cultural contexts. Results: The study explores the cultural identity and acculturation of migrant communities in Asian countries, revealing diverse patterns and factors like residence, socioeconomic status, and social support networks. It also highlights discrimination and the resilience of migrant communities in navigating cultural transitions. The findings emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to migrant populations, promoting cultural diversity and inclusive practices. Implications of the research: The research provides evidence-based insights for policymakers to develop culturally sensitive policies for migrant communities, promoting social cohesion. Social integration initiatives can tailor programs to meet migrant needs, raise awareness of discrimination, inform further research, empower migrant communities, and foster cultural exchange. The findings underscore the importance of addressing migrant challenges and promoting equity, dignity, and social justice. Originality/value: This research focuses on Asian migration patterns, offering unique insights into cultural identity and acculturation. It uses an interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology, psychology, anthropology, and cultural studies. The mixed-methods design provides nuanced understanding of migrant experiences. The findings have practical implications for policymakers and community organizations, promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity.

Chinese Migrants in Metropolitan Cities Abroad: Reconsidering Agency, Interactions, and Belonging

At the interface of Chinese diaspora studies, migration studies, and urban studies, this introduction argues for a shift towards city-based migration studies. The city is understood here not as a self-contained social cosmos, but as a globally and socially embedded urban level that opens up a more flexible perspective on the unfolding of migration processes at the micro, meso, and macro levels. It begins with a brief overview of recent trends in Chinese diaspora studies, global migration and urbanisation trends, and debates in critical geography on multi-scale urban theories. Then, it raises the question of the empirical feasibility of such an approach and argues for conceptualising migrants’ agency as a starting point for migration research, rather than pursuing a policy-driven, normative approach. Finally, it presents the five empirical contributions to this Special Issue. They are based on fieldwork in Paris, Berlin, Manchester (UK), Mexico City, Lagos, Gaborone, and Windhoek.

Cultural Diversity and Mental Health Care: A Case Study

IntroductionIn today’s world of global migration and cultural diversity, mental health care grapples with persistent challenges. Despite efforts to promote cultural competency and person-centred approaches, it’s vital to delve into the issues surrounding cultural differences and linguistic diversity in mental health care. This exploration highlights the complexities where culture, language, and healthcare intersect (Brisset et al., 2014; Desai et al., 2021).ObjectivesOur aim is to analyse cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care for migrants and assess their impact on access and quality of care.MethodsLiterature review, drawing from sources such as PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. This review will be framed around the case of a 34-year-old man from Bangladesh, who has been residing in Lisbon for a year. His clinical presentation includes depressive symptoms, disorganized behaviour, and psychotic manifestations, such as persecutory delusions. He does not speak Portuguese or English, thereby limiting his access to essential mental health treatment services. Through this review, we intend to elucidate the intricate dynamics surrounding cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care.ResultsMigrants from diverse backgrounds face many challenges, including the loss of homes, livelihoods, and family, often leading to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Two primary challenges include adapting to a new life and experiencing discrimination and marginalization (Amri et al., 2013; Satinsky et al., 2019). Social stigma and mistrust hinder access to mental health services. Limited culturally competent services widen the gap between mental health needs and help-seeking attitudes. Language barriers significantly contribute to disparities in access to services (Amri et al., 2013). Additionally, mental health care providers’ organizational culture often prioritizes ‘ideal’ patients who are native speakers, favouring individual-oriented treatment over community-focused care (Desai et al., 2021).To address these barriers effectively, it is crucial to employ specific strategies. The Multi-Phase Model of Psychotherapy, Social Justice, and Human Rights (MPM) equips mental health counsellors to better serve immigrant communities while addressing social stigma. This comprehensive framework comprises five phases of intervention: psychoeducation, culturally responsive service delivery, cultural orientation, collaboration with local healers, and connecting patients to essential resources (Amri et al., 2013). Additionally, practitioners should receive training in effective collaboration with interpreters to provide multilingual healthcare (Brisset et al., 2014).ConclusionsAddressing cultural and linguistic barriers in mental health care is vital. The Multi-Phase Model of Psychotherapy offers a promising approach, while collaboration with interpreters remains essential.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Exploring social remittances: A comprehensive review and recommendations for future research

This paper combines a variety of academic perspectives on social remittances, analyzing several key studies in the field. Each article is critically reviewed for its primary findings, methods, and limitations, focusing on identifying both the distinct contributions and shared elements among them. The comparative analysis brings to light the various ways social remittances influence and are present in both sending and receiving communities across cultural, economic, political, and social aspects. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for future research, promoting a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technological advancements, and recognizing the changing nature of global migration. This review aims to provide a detailed guide for future investigations in the area of social remittances, seeking to deepen our comprehension of their complex role in the context of global migration.

Development of migration processes in the context of transformation of international relations

Introduction. The practical study of migration trends in the modern global economy and the increase in the movement of people has become a key area of research. This subject requires reliable theoretical and methodological support due to the rapid pace of change and the ever-changing socio-economic landscape, as well as the challenges of transforming global relations. In fact, migration processes have always been an integral part of international relations, but the conditions and context of their development are constantly changing. Transformations in international relations caused by political, economic, social, and environmental factors have a particular impact on the direction of migration processes. Therefore, it is necessary to reassess existing approaches to global migration policy, taking into account their impact on the socio-economic development of countries with different socio-economic systems. The purpose of the paper is to identify conceptually new approaches to migration processes and to reveal transformational processes in international economic relations. Results. Migration can be defined as the movement across international borders from or within a place of residence. Migration can be viewed from different perspectives, both in a positive sense (moving in search of a new job or better living conditions) and in a negative sense (fleeing political repression, conflict, violence, natural disasters or human rights violations). In principle, migration involves significant changes in the cultural structures of both the migrant and the host country. In the context of socio-economic instability, the model of the migration process development environment should be based on building the potential of intellectual, human and economic security, justifying the priorities of the national economy in the context of limited resources. Methodological assessments of the migration process environment should determine not only the level of pushing the population abroad and attracting migrants to the destination country, but also the optimal containment of labor and educational migration. Conclusion. The global arena is undergoing a process of transformation of international economic relations, which is caused by the approaching systemic crisis caused by capital overhang. This phenomenon affects every country in the world. In the process of global transformation, in order to maintain relations between countries, it is necessary to reform the migration system. It is important that migration policy is regulated at the international level, so that each state can control its population, labour market and support its economy. It also ensures the rights of foreign workers: working conditions, wages, social protection, and health insurance. The prospect of further research is a statistical analysis of the number of migrants and their impact on the economies of the host countries. This includes analysing the impact of migration on the labour market, economic growth and wealth distribution, socio-cultural impact, political implications, security aspects, and technological innovations.

Practice versus perception: A discussion of the humanitarian principle of independence in the context of migration

Abstract The principle of independence is central to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's work with and for migrants. Independence requires humanitarian actors to retain their autonomy and resist any interference that might divert them from acting according to the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality. Yet, in the face of increasing securitization of migration and instrumentalization of aid and migrants, independence – in practice and perception – cannot be assumed. Drawing from current debates and primary research by the Red Cross Red Crescent Global Migration Lab, this article examines existing challenges in upholding independence in migration contexts and outlines recommendations for action.

Global justice, individual autonomy, and migration policy

Aunque, en principio, la justicia global no requiera de fronteras abiertas, en la práctica impone restricciones significativas a cómo los Estados pueden ejercer su derecho de exclusión. En primer lugar, los Estados ricos tienen la obligación primaria de asistir a las personas pobres en sus países de origen, y solo una obligación secundaria de acoger a aquellas que no pueden ser asistidas donde viven. En segundo lugar, el empleo de la coacción debe ser proporcional al objetivo perseguido, de manera que solo en situaciones de riesgo inminente, directo y grave están justificadas las restricciones a la inmigración. En tercer lugar, cuando sea necesario limitar el acceso, dicha limitación debe ser parcial y temporal. Los Estados deben procurar vías de tránsito alternativas y restablecer la libertad de circulación lo antes posible.

“Second generation”: a theoretical reflection on an ever-changing concept

ABSTRACT In recent decades, the issue of migrants’ children has received increasing attention within scientific research. This is due to the ongoing nature of the most current global migration phenomena. “Second generation” is the category often used in studies to define the field of reference, namely that of youth with foreign origin. However, this definition is sometimes generic or rather crossed by different interpretations depending on the application context, references considered or even used approaches. This contribution of theoretical nature aims to examine this concept by highlighting its empirical complexity. Based on a critical revision of classical and contemporary definitions, the analytical reflection focuses on a particular context, specifically the Italian one, about which the most recent conceptualisations proposed from below, for instance by the youth associationism’s world, are also considered. In conclusion, a broad conceptual reflection emerges that seeks to problematise the use of this ever-changing category.

Safe migration: Re‐embedding as anticipatory, de‐territorial governance

AbstractIn 2019, the United Nations (UN) promulgated the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration which charts the UN's global migration policy strategy, affording central importance to safety in migration. This ascendant focus on safe migration is echoed in a range of national and regional policy initiatives. Despite the policy enthusiasm for safe migration, to date, there is a dearth of critical scholarly attention to this policy shift. This paper builds on 7 years of ethnographic research on safe migration interventions in mainland Southeast Asia. Centring on the Mekong region, this paper examines two interlocking effects of safe migration policy instrumentalisation. On the one hand, safe migration discourse' spatio‐temporal underpinnings dispositions programmes to gravitate towards policy abstractions. Yet, in practice, safe migration interventions heavily depend on informal constellations of sociality, where migrants become re‐embedded as both objects and instruments of policy.

Reimagining teacher education for immigrant students in the context of global migration: Teacher educators’ perspectives

Global migration presents a pressing need for teachers and teacher education to become responsive to the changing demographics of schools in many countries. Yet, teacher education has been slow in developing practices to prepare teachers to meet the needs of immigrant students. Using humanizing pedagogy as a lens, this study draws on interviews with 22 teacher educators from Türkiye, the United States, and Hong Kong to examine how they prepare teachers to teach immigrant students. Findings highlight: (1) personal and professional contexts; (2) professional practices; and (3) supports for/barriers to change. Implications for teacher educators and teachers are discussed.

Migrating Concepts

Abstract The Bracero Program (1942–64), a bilateral agreement to regulate labor migration between the United States and Mexico, oversaw more than four million contracts enabling Mexican men to work “temporarily” in the United States. Historians of the Mexico-US borderlands and of global migration have interpreted the program through hemispheric as well as broader imperial lenses. Yet this article shows that the program’s foundational ideas emerged from two decades of transatlantic exchange and circulation that cannot be contained within a single continent, nor a single framework such as imperialism. During the interwar period, Mexican politicians, intellectuals, and migrant labor activists eagerly participated in transatlantic and inter-American dialogues about migration policy, compared themselves to Italy, and admired the bilateral labor migration agreements that had recently emerged in Europe. Meanwhile, US officials heard but resisted pleas from migration scholars and the International Labor Organization to emulate European receiving countries. The two parties’ differing engagements with European migration policies meant that when World War II pushed US officials to suddenly propose the agreement, Mexican actors’ transatlantic knowledge inspired their participation and crucially shaped the program’s design. This article thus pushes historians of migration policy towards studies of not just comparison but also entanglement.

Using a Decolonial Humanistic Sociological Lens to Teach Global Migration: The Global Migrations Exhibit Assignment

Conversations surrounding decolonial humanistic sociology have been guided by a moral imperative—to advance a radical critique of society for the purpose of reducing inequality. Storytelling has been used by marginalized groups to advance decolonization. Exactly how can instructors use the power of storytelling and maps to facilitate the study of migration among students? We argue that narratives, maps, and museum-like exhibitions can be used to teach human migration in a way that moves beyond the dominant approach of push-pull nation-centered demography. This contribution describes how decolonial humanistic sociology informed the development of the Global Migrations Exhibit Assignment: a hands-on learning experience focused on translating students’ learning into action. We outline learning outcomes, review a sample of students’ work, and consider the limitations of the assignment. We also consider the hostile responses those who use the assignment may face and discuss the peril this poses to academic freedom and democracy.

A retrospective of deaths related to migration along the southeasternmost land borders of Europe: an update encompassing the years 2015-22.

This study presents an update of forensic accounting of the numbers and demographics of migrants found deceased in the Evros region of Greece in the years from 2015-22. Compared to data from 2000-14, this update reflects the mounting number of border-related deaths in the region, as well as the changing demographic trends associated with the migrants who perish crossing the Greek-Turkish border. Specifically, the paper documents a broadening of locations from which migrants originate, the increasing diversity of migrant death locations, and a shift in the leading causes of death. It contains important forensic accounting of the unique humanitarian crisis occurring along the Greek-Turkish land border while also providing an additional context for the global migration crisis. The data presented here offer insights into other forensic stakeholders impacted by the global migration crisis, with respect to what factors contribute to and detract from identification rates, and can help stakeholders make informed policy decisions.