International migration, the economic crisis and the state: an analysis of Mediterranean migration to Western Europe

Author(s) : Hans Van Amersfoort, Philip Muus, Rinus Penninx

Source : https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.1984.9993443

Abstract:

International migration reflects the political divisions of the world. That is the reason migrants from the Caribbean are found scattered around the world according to the dictates of political geography. This article discusses the Mediterranean migration to Western Europe. Host countries are usually labor market that promote immigration. In the Netherlands, West Germany and Switzerland, shortage of labor during the 1960’s was the motive behind immigration flows. Moreover, there are differences in laws under which an immigrant may enter and settle in the three countries. These regulations directly affect the legal status of immigrants. Immigrants are subjected to all kinds of regulations from the host countries. In general, their legal status becomes stronger as the duration of their stay is longer. The article then discusses the Mediterranean migration to the Netherlands, West Germany and Switzerland. In all three countries, legal status of immigrants becomes stronger with a longer duration of stay. A growth of Turkish and Moroccan populations and a much slower growth of Italian, Spanish and Yugoslav immigrant groups is observed. The number of returning migrants is linked to the number of immigrants entering the country shortly before. In all three host countries, the economic crisis and high unemployment rate favor an anti-immigrant climate.