Question

Economics history question: (just need 2-3 sentences per question thanks).

The First Great Wave of Globalization: Migration

a. What are three factors affecting the decision to emigrate?

b. How did the composition or origins of immigrants to the US change over time?

c. Why were immigrants “instant adults” in the US?

d. Were immigrants substitutes or complements to American workers?

Answer 1

(a) The US immigration wave began post 1820's after the medieval wars had ended and America was open for business again. The factors affecting the decision to migrate were a mix of push and pull factors. Three important factors are:

• The economic prospects of migration to US. Relatively a new and unexplored economy offered vast potential for Europeans, which were an enterprising race. Tobacco plantations and industrialisation were important avenues.
• Social factors largely came in form of push factors. The famine in Ireland and Europeans seeking a liberal religious society were important issues which they addressed by deciding to the "New World".
• The unemployed youth in Europe and petty criminals found emigration as a way to sustain themselves while moving away from the society that prejudiced against them on account of being criminals.

(b) The US has witnessed successive waves of immigration which is ongoing till date. No matter what the origin is, destination has been invariably the United States of America. Some to dodge persecution and many to pursue to the "American Dream". The origin of immigrants changed over time in the following way.

• Initial immigrants in 19th century were largely from Western Europe. They were living in an unequal society with meagre economic opportunities and hence migrated.
• The post war era saw immigration from Germany and Eastern Europe.
• Late 1900's immigration began from Mexico and Asian countries.
• And current lot comprises major immigrants from South Asian countries like India and Pakistan.

(c) Immigrants largely came in indivisual capacities without family. They were also in dire need of pursuing strenuous economic activities to sustain themselves. Some young migrants also had burden of dependents upon their shoulders. Thus, circumstances created for them pushed them into taking responsibilites and thus made them "instant adults" in the new land.

(d) The demarcation between substitute and complement immigrants are not very distinguished. The early migrants who were unskilled workers created a substitute market for native unskilled workers while they were complemets for the skilled professionals. However, with changing trends, current scenario is the of a largely substitute immigrant labour force. Highly skilled professionals from South Asia and Europe are known to displace native Americans from jobs. Thus, the recent wrath by US government on curbing immigration has been seen.