You need to be aware of the reasons why people migrate to the UK. They are usually classified into two types; push and pull factors
Push factors |
Pull factors |
To gain a better life due to a lack of job opportunities in their ‘home’ country |
The UK is the 5th wealthiest economy in the world and demand for labour is relatively high, particularly those with badly-needed skills (e.g. plumbing) |
To escape from absolute poverty |
There is a relatively high standard of living in the UK, even for those less well-off within society |
Asylum seekers want to leave their home country because of persecution for their political beliefs. Some asylum seekers are also persecuted on the basis of their ethnicity |
Britain is an open and democratic society with an established system of laws and conventions designed to protect citizens rights |
Migration also has an impact upon patterns of family and community relationships. The impact of migration can be both positive, and negative.
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The family |
The community |
Negatives |
Family ties are often weakened when one person emigrates to another country |
High levels of immigration can contribute to heightened racial tension. This is a particular problem in cities with a relatively high number of immigrants |
Positives |
The existence of an extended family in the UK can make migration easier upon the person concerned |
Immigrant groups make a considerable contribution to the UK’s economy, and add diversity to our multi-cultural society |
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