Week 2: Immigration

The World in Us

Intercultural Exchange Program, Summer 2024

Welcome!

Share in the chat or aloud:

• Name
• Where you’re from
• Any other info you want to share about yourself
• Check-in Question: If you could pick one cultural festival or celebration from anywhere in the world to experience, which one would it be and why?

What are we going to reflect on?

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IMMIGRATION + IT’S IMPACT ON THE WORLD

1. What is immigration?

2. How has immigration affected our world today?

What is immigration?

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1. Is defined as the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country
2. Occurs due to certain push factors: reasons that an individual might emigrate from their homes
1. Poverty
2. Lack of social mobility(good socio-economic conditions)
3. Violence
4. Persecution
3. Can also occur due to certain pull factors: reasons that an individual might settle in a particular country
1. Job opportunities
2. Better living conditions
3. Better medical care
4. Educational advancements

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Have you or anyone you know immigrated to a new country before?

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If so, what were the potential pull/push factors that led to the decision?

Why does immigration matter?

In many countries, immigrants help counteract the slowing growth rate of its population

As a result, immigration contributes to:

• Significant economic growth
• The expansion of the labor force
• An increase in the labor market

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Who has experienced the most immigration?

The United States is home to more international migrants than any other country, having more than 45.3 million migrants.

• Due to the U.S being a highly desirable place to find a home in, the Immigration and Nationality Act(INA) allows the U.S to grant up to 675,000 permanent immigrant visas each year

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On the other hand, there are several countries that do not accept migrants including Hungary, Croatia, Latvia, and Slovakia

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Moreover, the countries that are (supposedly) most against immigration are Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Sweden

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We can see that certain parts of South Asia, Africa, and North America experienced very little migration over recent years.

On the other hand, Australia and most of South America is shown to have experienced great migration during recent years.

How does age affect an individual’s immigration?

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How do your ideas of immigration differ from those of your parents and grandparents?

HISTORICAL EVENTS: IMMIGRATION AROUND THE WORLD

Australia: As part of its 2023 changes, Australia also sought to tighten entry requirements for international students and low-wage workers, as part of a plan to return overall immigration numbers to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, Australia has created a pathway to permanent residence for high-skilled immigrants on temporary visas and has sped up processing visas for in-demand professions.

Germany: Reforms to Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act were designed to lure tens of thousands of skilled workers from outside the European Union.

New Zealand: Because employers were eager to fill empty job postings, New Zealand recorded its highest ever immigration tallies in 2023,

Japan: Due to its long struggle with the prospect of increasing immigration, Japan has made it easier for multiple types of skilled foreign workers to become long-term residents, now containing 3.2 million foreign residents.

How has immigration impacted the culture in the United States?

• Ethnic Diversity and Cultural Enrichment: Through their contributions of art, music, cuisine, literature, and more, immigrants have enriched American culture, creating various traditions that have made the nation a global cultural hub
• Language: Immigration has led to an increase in various languages within the United States. As a result, it has enhanced cultural exchange, facilitates international business relations, and foster a greater understanding of different cultures
• Culinary Traditions: Immigrants have brought their unique recipes, spices, and cooking techniques, leading to the development of fusion cuisine.
• Arts, Literature, Music: Immigrant artists, writers, and musicians have significantly influenced American culture, introducing new styles, themes, and perspectives.

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What are your country’s immigration policies?

How might immigration policies change overtime?

Some national governments may be motivated to raise immigration limits due to population growth contributing to slower economic growth and strained national budgets.

Discussion Questions

• How difficult or easy is it for individuals in your country to get a visa to travel out of country?
• If you or anyone you know has migrated to another country, how was their process of migrating there(was it difficult/complex or relatively smooth/simple?)
• If you or anyone you know has migrated to another country, how easy or difficult was it to adapt to that new country’s culture?

The Potluck (Aug 17 at 8:30 AM PT) is the ending ceremony for the CIEP. If you would like to attend, share what you've learned throughout the five weeks of the CIEP. You are welcome to bring traditional clothing, dance, art, traditions, language, and of course, food!

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Form Submission Deadline: August 10th

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https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Fp447ufsJUnD0lqAcTgcRnMkrRX0trS2OPahkomXk98/edit

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Culture Potluck Invite

Any questions, feedback, or thoughts (on the presentation or your experience with our program thus far)? Feel free to share!

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Thank you!