Top 10 Migration Issues of 2007
Muse Mohammed/IOM
The Migration Information Source's annual list of the top migration issues of the year examines trends around the world.
In 2007, although polls show that American voters' main concerns were the war in Iraq, health care, and the economy, immigration surfaced repeatedly as a key issue. The Migration Information Source's Top 10 Migration Issues of 2007 examines this trend, addresses the lack of attention to climate-induced migration, and provides speculation that France could become the immigration trendsetter in Europe in 2008.
Political Paralysis: The Failure of U.S. Immigration Reform
A U.S. bipartisan "grand compromise" on immigration fell apart in 2007 over amnesty fears, leaving 12 million unauthorized immigrants in…
Iraqi Refugees: Diminished Options and Little U.S. Support
By late 2007, millions of Iraqis were displaced, neighboring countries were sealing their borders, and the United States had resettled fewer than 2…
Wanted More Than Ever: The Highly Skilled
The EU Blue Card proposal marked 2007's boldest move in a global race to attract skilled migrants.
Testing Immigrants — Literally
Multiple countries raised or imposed language and civics requirements in 2007, all in the name of integration.
Managing Global Travel with Technology and Cooperation
2007 saw border biometric technology expand rapidly—and privacy tensions along with it.
Integration Means Belonging
While Switzerland's anti-immigration party won its best result ever in 2007, Germany, Canada, and South Korea expanded integration programs,…
U.S. Cities Face Legal Challenges, and All 50 States Try Their Hand at Making Immigration-related Laws
With federal immigration reform stalled, all 50 U.S. states introduced immigration measures in 2007 for the first time—but courts began striking them…
Mobility Partnerships, the Latest Policy Fashion
The European Union's 2007 mobility partnerships offered African countries legal migration channels for curbing irregular flows.
Migration and Development Issues: No Longer a Novelty in Policy Discussions
The European Union folded remittances, brain drain, and circular migration into policy in 2007, as the United States skipped a Global Forum attended…
South Korea Opens Its Arms
Once proud of its homogeneity, South Korea began pivoting in 2007and declared itself "the leader of embracing foreigners.”
