During the year of 2007, migration took center stage. The U.S. failed to initiate immigration reform, Iraqi refugees faced diminished options and little U.S. support after their country was torn apart by war, and The Highly Skilled, now needed more than ever, fueled Europe to initiate the "Blue Card," that could increase Europe's competitiveness for The Highly Skilled. These were just a few of the Top 10 Migration Issues, according to The Migration Information Source, for 2007:
Issue #1: Political Paralysis: The Failure of U.S. Immigration Reform
With a Democratic-controlled Congress in place, 2007 was expected to be the year for immigration reform legislation. However, even after a vow by President Bush during his State of the Union Address in January, immigration reform bills never made it past the opposition in Congress. Thereafter, with the federal government now refusing to take up the subject until 2009, the job has been left to state and local governments to respond to the frustrations and public pressures.
Issue #2: Iraqi Refugees: Diminished Options and Little U.S. Support
With war ravaging their country and being forced to relocate to neighboring allies, displaced Iraqis and their stories became more desperate and widely known during the year of 2007. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reports that 2.2 million Iraqis have left the country, but with neighboring countries like Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, and The Gulf states taking much of the burden and imposing visa restrictions for the past few years, Iraqi refugees have been forced to go back to their war-ravaged homeland. The security situation in the country has been improving, according to reports, but the returning refugees have only been forced to return because they are facing economic difficulties or have depleted their savings - so only if stability lasts in the country, will larger numbers be able to return.
Issue #3: Wanted More Than Ever: The Highly Skilled Worker
In October, the European Commission took a bold leap and initiated the "Blue Card" scheme for admitting highly qualified non-EU workers who already have a work contract in a Member State and professional qualifications. After two years in one Member State, Blue Card holders will be allowed to work in any other Member State without having to go through national level immigration processes. The proposal has hit some roadblocks though, including how qualifications from outside Europe will be considered and whether all Member States will participate. In the end though, the message Europe wants to send is: Skilled Migrants should be welcomed.
Issue #4: Testing Immigrants - Literally
Many countries are beginning to place distinct terms, implementing citizenship tests, and increasing the language requirements for potential immigrants. In Australia, the government decided to pass a cultural knowledge test, along with a Basic English skills test. This created a domino effect that created several new measures across the globe, including revamping the point-based system in the UK for 2008 and a new language skills and values test in France.
Issue #5: Managing Global Travel with Technology and Cooperation
Countries are adopting new technological means to support border and immigration officials and their decisions about certain travelers. Malaysia has pioneered biometric passports that have reduced the passport theft rate in 2007. Japan, the UK, and countries throughout the EU, have implemented new systems that will keep traveling safe from potential risks.
For the remaining five issues and more information about the Migration Issues of 2007:
Read this article from Migration Information Source
