Welcome to my Migration and Culture Page!

By Sarah Schalte

Artwork on the Nogales/Arizona border wall. Artwork on the Nogales/Arizona border wall.

According to a "Global Migration Snapshot" from the New York Times, the United States had an incoming net flow of 1,299,00 migrants in 2005. This is the equivalent of 20.12% of total migration that year.

There are many reasons that cause people to migrate from one country or region to another. Most migrants say they leave their home country in search of a better life. But what does this infamous phrase mean? What is so bad in their home country that they feel their only option is to leave?

 

Reasons for migration are different for every country, region and person. Some common causes of migration are:

·         Political and Governmental Problems

·         Economic Problems

·         Humanitarian Issues

·         War

·         Environmental Factors

·         Lack of Food

·         Availability of Work (high Unemployment)

·         Religious, Racial or Cultural Persecution

·         Overpopulation

·         Family

·         Displacement

·         And many more…

This web page will explain causes and outcomes of this phenomenon in a variety of formats and with the help of many different sources.

           After learning a bit about migration, make sure to check out the Crossing the Valley Migrant Interview tab to read an interesting story about a migrant named Max.

           Lastly, take a quick glance at the Open Letter. Living in Arizona I have only seen the effects of migration through the Mexico, U.S. border. I have really changed my understanding of migration after studying the worldwide phenomenon. There are numerous causes for migrants to leave their homes, especially more than nonmigrants could comprehend.