I came across an interesting article the other day on the topic of immigration and emigration. It pointed out that much of human history is the story of people coming and going. The foundation of my own country in particular, the United States of America, is a tale of emigrants leaving their home countries to try and find a better life for themselves. The reasons typically fall into one of three general categories: hunger, work, or community (including religion). Today, the reasons for emigration remain much the same.
Unlike in our historical past, however, there are no unclaimed spaces to flee to. Loads of bureaucratic red tape have been affixed to what were once relatively open doorways of opportunity. For some, they present insurmountable barriers. If you need to leave your country, where can you go? Who will take you in?
That question has become harder to answer in today's world.
It's something to think about as we approach debates about immigration policy. Immigration hasn't tended to be an issue I pay much attention to, but this got me thinking about it in ways that personalized the discussion. Imagine being in that scary space of needing to leave, but not being able to go anywhere. It's an unsettling thought, isn't it?
Unlike in our historical past, however, there are no unclaimed spaces to flee to. Loads of bureaucratic red tape have been affixed to what were once relatively open doorways of opportunity. For some, they present insurmountable barriers. If you need to leave your country, where can you go? Who will take you in?
That question has become harder to answer in today's world.
It's something to think about as we approach debates about immigration policy. Immigration hasn't tended to be an issue I pay much attention to, but this got me thinking about it in ways that personalized the discussion. Imagine being in that scary space of needing to leave, but not being able to go anywhere. It's an unsettling thought, isn't it?