The world is now faced with the worst migrant crisis in history due to the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The phenomenon of people fleeing countries en masse poses a question, why do they want to leave? The answer is job prospects for some, better living conditions for most, and in some cases, to simply survive.
While many leave their home country to avoid falling prey to violent crimes, an unstable government and a dark future, some rich countries are in a tight spot having to allow migrants into their land. International Migrants Day is an opportunity to bring attention to and address these issues, and safeguard the interest of both sides.
The increase in illegal immigration might be on a rise now but the issue of migration has always been a point of friction between the top economies of the world. The International Organization for Migration notes that it’s virtually impossible to grasp the rate and scale of migration since the determining factors largely are the degree of economic crisis or instability of the government, which vary among countries.
Made official in the year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGC), the day is observed to help ensure every migrant has an opportunity to live a life of dignity and peace in a foreign land.
On this day, here are some quotes about migrants and how they influence the country they move to. (Courtesy: brainyquote)
- “Migration is as natural as breathing, as eating, as sleeping. It is part of life, part of nature. So we have to find a way of establishing a proper kind of scenario for modern migration to exist. And when I say ‘we,’ I mean the world. We need to find ways of making that migration not forced.” – Gael Garcia Bernal
- “The Great Migration changed American history not just for the migrants but for all of us. It made possible American cultural milestones like the Harlem Renaissance, Chicago blues, and Motown, just to name a few.”- William Barr
- “As long as they are working, they should be legalized. I admire so much each and every migrant. They are the most loyal workers in the U.S. economy. They build the homes of those who are attacking them.” – Vicente Fox
- “We’re a migrant nation made up of people who’ve been torn out of other worlds, and you’d think we would have some compassion.” – Richard Flanagan
- “The U.N. has brought peace and order to many places around the world. However, terrorism, violent extremism, violations of human rights, and natural disasters caused by climate change – all threaten the lives of people today. Add migration, insufficient health care, lack of education, and the picture gets even bleaker.” – Miroslav Lajcak
- “The Great Migration can get forgotten if we don’t pay attention or bear witness to it. It’s part of my personal history and the history of millions of African Americans who left those oppressive conditions for better lives in the North. It’s important to put that on the page.” – Jacqueline Woodson
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