“Globalization: Implications for Immigrants and Refugees”

Globalization is not a new process. It is an acceleration of changes induced by the post-industrial revolution in transport and communication. The rapid growth of population in less developed countries combines with a reduction in barriers to migration from formerly authoritarian regimes to induce mobility. Economic inequality combines with demographic pressures and environmental crises to generate ethnic conflict and terrorist threats. Wealthier countries are placing restrictions on the admission of those seeking to improve their economic prospects and/or to escape persecution. Despite the number of asylum seekers in Europe and North America, African and Asian countries bear the greatest burden of refugees. Temporary migration, business travel and tourism have added to the numbers crossing state boundaries, making effective control difficult. It is concluded that recommendations made by the Commission on Global Governance should be implemented without delay.