REASONS FOR MIGRATION
Basic concepts and vocabulary. Human migration is the movement of people from one place in the world to another. People who migrate fall into different categories: a)an emigrant is a person who leaves one country to live in another b) an immigrant is a person who enters a country from another to make a new home. c) a refugee is a person who has moved to a new country because of political, religious or similar conflict in their former home. There are different types of human migration: a) internal migration - moving within a state, country, or continent b)external migration - moving to a different state, country, or continent c) emigration - leaving one country to move to another d) immigration - moving into a new country e) return migration - moving back to where you came from f)seasonal migration - moving with each season or in response to labor or climate conditions g) circular migration - migrants go and come back again between their home villages and host countries. QUESTIONS 1) Based on the above terms, what best exemplifies members of your community? In each case, what push or pull factor caused them to leave their homeland? 2) How has Nepal's political and economic development contributed to the pushing of its inhabitants beyond their borders? 3) How does increasing exposure to the outside world and growth in technology contribute to migratory patterns? 4) According to the cartoon below, what are the historical connections between Nepalese migrant workers and the legacy of colonialism?
From "Global Warriors to Global Workers," Keiko Yamanaka Presentation DOCUMENTARY Naomi Bishop's documentary, Himalayan Herders, is useful in its depiction of a Nepalese village as it undergoes various changes due to forces of modernity and outside contact. In many cases, it is difficult for the young people to remain in their village. Many of them are compelled to leave in order to seek out better opportunities.
Discussion Questions: 1. Describe Balmu and her sisters' experience of migration. To what extent was their experience of migration successful? 2. What is Themba's attitude toward the Melemchi village life? Identify his push and pull factors toward migration. 3. In what ways does Themba's life choices from 1970s to 2000s illustrate workings of a globalized world and economy? 4. How do people like Themba highlight the diversity of the Asian continent as well as the diversity of Asians in America? 5.Compare Nogabu and Themba in their life choices regarding migration. 6. What is the relationship between Nogabu and the growing tourist industry. 7. How does Nogabu's use of his wealth illustrate the growth of the Nepalese middle class? How does it compare to the values and practices of the middle class in America? 8. Most of the individuals from this village will be part of the unskilled labor force. What institutional factors prevent them from joining the skilled labor force? Activity: In groups of 3 or 4, choose one of the characters from the film and assess the cost and benefits of their decision to stay or migrate. What have they gained and lost due to their choices? Assignment: Find 3 current events articles that address issues regarding migration. Based on the film, class discussion, and the current events articles, write a 1-2 page reflection paper that identifies and analyzes the push/pull factors of migration as well as its cost and benefits. What kind of insight does this provide on the current discourse on migrant workers and immigrants in the United States? Links to relevant articles and websites Drain or Gain? Benefits of Migration (An article from The Economist) The Future of Mobility (a review of a book on migration)
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