Thread: World sees 3 million immigrate yearly

World sees 3 million immigrate yearly

August 18, 2006

BY STEPHEN OHLEMACHER





WASHINGTON -- Nearly 3 million people a year migrate from developing countries to industrialized nations, including 1 million to the United States, a population research group said Thursday.

Almost half -- 1.4 million -- move to Europe, which is nevertheless facing unprecedented population losses from low birth rates. The U.S. attracts more immigrants than any other country, fueling a national debate on immigration policy.

Other destinations include Canada, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which has a better economy than much of the Middle East.








WHERE IMMIGRANTS GO -- AND LEAVE

Countries that attract and lose the most immigrants each year:


The gainers:
Country Population Net Migration
United States 299,112,000 1,005,016
Italy 58,990,000 294,950
Spain 45,511,000 282,168
United Arab Emirates 4,937,000 264,623
United Kingdom 60,473,000 223,145
The losers:
China 1,311,416,000 -563,909
India 1,121,788,000 -523,512
Mexico 108,327,000 -411,643
Indonesia 225,465,000 -315,651
Iran 70,324,000 -281,296



AP

The biggest suppliers of immigrants are China, India and Mexico, according to the report by the Population Reference Bureau.

''It's always the hope of a better life,'' said Carl Haub, a demographer at the bureau.

For some, it's the chance to escape poverty, whether they plan to raise families in their new countries or send money home. For others, it's the opportunity to flee political or civil unrest.

Indians earn $2,200 a year



''The average Indian family earns the equivalent of $2,200 a year,'' Haub said. ''If they migrate to Europe and have no skills, they can be a cab driver. If they have computer skills, they can earn $50,000 a year, an amount unimaginable back home.''

Europe and the United States have very different immigration histories. The U.S. is a nation of immigrants, yet Washington is embroiled in a debate about what to do about an estimated 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants.

Europe and industrialized countries in Asia have been less receptive to large waves of immigrants, adding to their population woes.


AP

That would 1 million legally to the U.S., they didn't mention the 1 million illegally coming to the U.S. every year. Looks like we are taking in as many as the entire rest of the world every year or more when you count the illegals, maybe more.

Got that right. I think we've done more than our share. It's time to make their country of origin more responsible.

It's time to make their country of origin more responsible.

Ditto, crazybird!