Colliding Forces

Widening inequality, easy proximity between poor nations and rich, exacerbate the many temptations of undocumented immigration. Angst is building in immigration hotspots – the Italian island of Lampedusa or along Mexican borders, both north and south – because citizens recognize that immigration pressures will only expand, explains James Crabtree for the Financial Times. He explains that citizens in border areas worry about bearing a growing burden of more undocumented, unplanned arrivals. Economic opportunity drives migration, but the receiving nations do not feel secure: Aging populations in Europe and the US desire younger workers from Africa, Asia or South America, or Chinese seek natural resources in remote areas like Siberia. An urbanization trend in developing nations could lead to overcrowding and unrest, which “creates security threats, from international terrorism and criminal gangs, to money laundering and people trafficking.” Crabtree concludes that controlled movements could be beneficial for all parties. – YaleGlobal