The question of immigration has been a topic of controversy in many countries, which is increasing year after year. According to the 2020 United Nations Migration Report, the number of migrants worldwide reached 272 million in 2019, and it is expected to continue to grow (International Organization for Migration, 2020). Such piece of evidence demonstrates the growing issues caused by poor economics and socio-political situations, forcing families to migrate. Subsequently, the classification of immigrants expands by their cumulative population.
People who enter the country without the approval of border control officials fall into the group of illegal immigrants. The vast majority of people like these come from crossing other countries’ borders in places without security, subjecting themselves to a high risk of detention and deportation. Europe, for instance, is facing a global immigration crisis due to a growing body of illegal immigrants causing criminal distress across the European countries.
The second category of immigrants is refugees – people who were forced to leave their home country due to conflicts in their homeland. Statistically, there are over 25.9 million documented refugees across the world at the end of 2018 (International Organization for Migration, 2020). Even though internationally displaced people make up a relatively small percentage of all immigrants, they require the most help and support.
The last category is dedicated to the employment-based immigrants who enter the country to become lawful citizens through employment. Statistically, every year approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrants are granted to enter the country under the provisions of U.S. immigration law (U.S. Department of State, 2019). The candidates are thoroughly examined based on their skills and ability to contribute to the economic prosperity to be admitted to the country.
Thus, the immigrants may be divided into several categories, some of which are more dangerous, and others are willing. And though the immigrant count is growing each day, governments must adjust their policies to exclude overpopulating territories with displaced people. Even though some people willingly immigrate to seek better economic opportunities, they are forced to leave their home countries, leaving behind all belongings and requiring much more support.
References
International Organization for Migration. (2020). World Migration Report 2020. Web.
US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. (2019). Employment-Based Immigrant Visas.