1.
"Buyer's Remorse" on Immigration Policy
The current economic downturn has made many destination
countries cautious about welcoming permanent migrants, with some expressing
the policy equivalent of buyer's remorse: paying too high a price for something
no longer desired. |
2.
The Recession-Proof Race for Highly Skilled Migrants
Gloomy economic forecasts do not seem to have slowed the hunt for highly skilled migrants or foreign students — the best near-term solution to fill shortages and enhance competitiveness.
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3.
Remittance Patterns in Flux
Remittances to developing countries have steadily climbed,
but the economic crises this year raise the question of how those countries
will fare with the United States and Europe in recession. |
4. Immigration Ultimately Not an Issue in the 2008 Election
The subject of immigration was almost nonexistent in the general-election contest between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain though both candidates sought the Latino vote.
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5.
Xenophobia Rising
Unfortunately, 2008 brought a new wave of xenophobia, most notably in South Africa and Italy.
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6.
Return Migration: Changing Directions?
Due to changing economic circumstances, the prospect of return migration has gained currency in immigrant-receiving states around the world.
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7.
Demography and Migration Flows: Do Shrinking Populations Mean More Migrants?
Policymakers in developed countries are beginning to take the increasingly stark demographic landscape more seriously. One solution on the table: immigration.
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8.
Building Border
Fences
Although far from foolproof in deterring would-be migrants,
border fencing remained a priority for many countries in 2008.
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9.
Warming up to Circular Migration?
Circular migration means a continuing, long-term pattern of international mobility. The European Union set up two pilot programs in 2008 that seek to facilitate this type of movement.
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10.
Struggles of Iraqi Refugees Continue
An estimated 4.7 million Iraqis remain displaced either internally or in neighboring countries, and Iraq is still the leading source of asylum applicants worldwide.
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