Immigration, migration and refugees has recently re-entered into the spotlight. The reality is that these are not new phenomenon and are sadly only seen as a major burden or threat to some countries.  This should not discount the fact that others welcome migrant of all kinds with welcome arms. 

The big question surrounding this theme is whether or not migrants hurt or help a country. It is the belief of some countries that migrants hurt or threaten their country on many fronts. This is a very sad reality. What is worse is that some countries create the situations that force people to flee their country, becoming refugees. 

First, immigration, migration and refugee discussions have an environmental aspect. Simply put, everyone has a place in the world, but that place may be corrupted by ill-political or environmental factors. This section of the theme touches on the space limited to each country and how this space may be shrinking due to environmental issues. The environmental issues aspect to this subsection of the theme explains how certain environmental issues, if not attended to, may increase the number of refugees in the world. Additionally, this subsection refers to the physical space the migrants occupy: the camps that they live in, the countries they had to flee, the route they take to get to the final destination, the emigration countries, the immigration countries and much more.

Second, immigration, migration and refugee discussion includes the workforce and productivity of a country. The movement of people means that these great minds also move with them. There are many countries in the commonwealth experiencing both sides of this spectrum; losing and gaining workforce and intellectuals. When a country faces push factors for migration, it is easy for people to make the decision to move from one country to another. Things to think about, which lean towards the negative aspects of this subsection, are how education may not transfer over. For individuals who struggle to live off the land, there are the struggles of gaining an education and skills to succeed in urban centers. 

Third, the theme of immigration, migration and refugee is a key political issue, given aging populations in developed countries. This section speaks to the reasons why countries fear or welcome migrants and refugees. What are the politicians saying about refugees and migrants? What is this history of immigration in this country? Things that intertwine politics and migration include immigration rates, national security threats, and much more.

Finally, immigration, migration and refugee issues have many social impacts. When a person migrates from one country to another there are many things that they need to adjust to: including understanding a new language, culture, and much more.  Many migrants are placed into mandatory citizenship education of the country’s history and values before becoming a full-fledged citizen. Is this bad or is this good? Many migrants have argued that their original culture, religion, etc. are being pushed aside and are feeling isolated. How do the social aspects of a country make it more difficult or easier for a migrant or refugee to resettle and feel welcome into the country they immigrate to?

The theme for NSCF 2016 encompasses all aspects of migration, immigration and refugees.  We hope that as you represent various Commonwealth countries throughout the week that you remain aware of how multifaceted these subjects are.