Human race, like any other animal race have always migrated since age old times. Immigration is a primitive animal instinct and has allowed Homo sapiens to explore and inhabit new habitats for living
The present dictionary meaning defines Immigration as a process which allows people to attain permanent residence in a country in which they are not native by origin.
It is a process which has started many centuries ago from the prehistoric era. Immigrants from various parts of the world especially Europe formed new nations like America and Australia as early as 18th and 17th centuries respectively.
Immigrants that formed these nations comprised of various groups like hired labourers, slaves, prisoners and soldiers. The collective efforts of these new residents led to the development of these nations rapidly.
Europe recorded a phenomenal growth in immigration since World War II. In Switzerland which is one of the richest nations in the world, nearly one fourth of its population is foreign born.
In other European nations like United Kingdom, France and Germany up to 10% of their nationals are foreign born. These immigrants have contributed enormously to the thriving economies in these countries and have also become active participants at all levels of government functioning.
Immigrants have successfully integrated into the local culture in the countries of residence and many of them successfully manage to maintain their unique cultures simultaneously.
When it comees to Australia an intergenerational report released recently in Australia by the department of health and ageing predicted a 60% increase in population by year 2040 which turns out that the current Australian population of 21 million will increase to 35 million.
Many politicians started to project this as a looming disaster and a burden on our environment and its resources. These leaders talked about the glorious old days about 150 years ago when the nation was rich in wealth and natural resources.
Probably they are right in their own way when these leaders try and advocate strongly that world should rewind their time clock to 150 years ago so that they can take back their nations to the good old days.
The present day world is globalised in many ways.Unless immigration rules are much more relaxed any nation would easily miss the chance to catch up with the progress that can be achieved through free trade and less stringent immigration policies.
What these leaders are advocating now is certianly one easy way to stop planning for future and just dwell in the past.
