What Are Some Reasons for Immigration?

Reasons for immigration include voluntary and involuntary motives as people seek better opportunities for jobs and education voluntarily, while persecution, prejudice and war in home nations also causes immigration. Some migrants travel great distances, while others simply move across national borders. Regardless of distance, migrants leave in search of improved living conditions, financial opportunities and safety.

For some migrants, leaving a home territory comes with a sense of excitement. Educated migrants, for instance, often receive job offers elsewhere and leave with some knowledge of upcoming circumstances. Others, however, must migrate suddenly, and leave without a plan. For some, migration is forced and comes with confusion and fear. Migration, in this instance, involves moving to a place with new customs, traditions and societal norms. Some migrants leave without knowing or learning the language of the new place; the language barrier presents an additional problem. Even in new places, migrants sometimes face prejudice and a cool reception. This creates a sense of loneliness and isolation, unless migrants find their way into communities of others from their homeland. Migrants sometimes face pressure as well to earn enough money to support other family members at home. Finding employment may be difficult, particularly for workers lacking skills and confidence.