Journal of Economic and Social Thought www.kspjournals.org Volume 2 March 2015 Issue 1 Immigration in Empirical Facts and Statistics By Hasan ALPAGU † Abstract. In the modern world of globalization, we speak of a “global village”, but there always remain some regional fix points. Therefore we do not know exactly what role we have in the future as a society in a globalized world. The globalized world is like a small village: On the one hand, everyone knows what happens in the village, but in other hand, other social differences remain in the same sizes. Therefore in the future some components will always remain in the same form, such as poorness, richness, good, evil, war and peace. Today, prosperity of population in Western societies shows an increasing drift. But no one can guarantee that they will remain so forever in the future. The statistics and existing conflicts show that many problems in the world will always remain. Humanity will be able to realize their dreams of space only in part. And yet, many things will remain as in the Stone Age. The focus of this paper is to consider this matter from a realistic and humanistic point of view. Keywords. Immigration, Cultural Clashes,Human Rights, Integration, Globalization, Poverty, Slavery. JEL. 1. Introduction Th e In history, states ruled over their region and their area of influence by means of powerful armies. In the modern era, they rule using the support of technology, science, trade, etc as interactive elements of government. And these elements can be realized only through International cooperation, democracy, and respect for human rights. Religious and cultural differences are less effective than in earlier conflicts. The major causes of conflicts today are lack of cooperation and deficits in civilized values. This situation applies to all countries who wish to have a peacefully role on the world stage. In the modern world of globalization, we speak of a “global village”, but there always remain some regional fix points. Therefore we do not know exactly what role we have in the future as a society in a globalized world. The globalized world is like a small village: On the one hand, everyone knows what happens in the village, but in other hand, other social differences remain in the same sizes. Therefore in the future some components will always remain in the same form; poor, rich, good, evil, war and peace. Today, prosperity of population in Western societies shows an increasing drift. But no one can guarantee that they will remain so forever in the future. † İstanbul Zaim University, Department of Economics, Turkey. . +90212-693-82- 29. . Hasan.alpagu@gmail.com Journal of Economic and Social Thought The statistics and existing conflicts show that many problems in the world will always remain. Humanity will be able to realize their dreams of space only in part. And yet, many things will remain as in the Stone Age. The above mentioned argument also holds true for science and other disciplines. Despite developments in the history of science there are always traces of the past which will continue in the scientific level. One can not completely separate the past, present and future on the scientific level. In our time and society, there are also traces of myths, medieval beliefs, superstitions, scholastic prospects etc. and there are also many hopes and new research for an extended horizon of mankind.Science shapes society and society inspires the main rules of science. Science is like a map for the people, which is also a product of man, and tries to make the mankind’s path more visible. On the other hand many governmental and private institutes manage as well influence the results of science. Therefore it would be too naïve to believe, that, what sciences presents to publicity as so called “scientific results” is the absolute truth and the best possible. Countries govern the world system through their political as well as economic consulting. They also influence social movements and developments.If we consider the situation now, we can say that ideologies and politics play an important role in sciences. It can be said that science is a part of society and every branch is connected with and interdependent with the rest of the institutions and standards in some way. Science itself and scientific methods are just as important as the discoveries of science. On the one hand, science tries to make new inventions and resolve the mysteries of life and of living things, and even undertakes new steps; they also develop better and more efficient methods. Knowledge and scientific theory is the method that requires us to follow the road step by step to truth and scientific theory. Science developed because people tried to understand their environment and happenings in their environment. This behavior led to the further development of mythology. The first civilization is thought the have arisen in Mesopotamia, built by Sumerian, Meds and other cultures of Mesopotamia. Later Thales of Miletus, Socrates, Aristotle and Plato tried to explain this development systematically and logically. Socrates tried to make men think through his questions and thereby to get them to express things that they already knew. Modern science has vastly expanded our knowledge and expertise. Scientists have developed methods and theories about how the world functions. Despite these developments in science there are many hidden issues that need to be further processed or discovered. The epistemology and the philosophy of science have taken over the task of resolving mysteries and to maintaining the challenges of universe. The universe is limitless; therefore our imagination is more important than our current situation. New visions encourage humankind to make more progress and invest in innovation. Following that, we should not limit our future plans just with some dogmatic beliefs or rules. That’s why every single one of us should have respect of his forebears, and same time should be a reformer. The method, which has been used in this project, is a new kind of way to investigate sociological phenomena and interpret them in a manner which provides the background of challenges in a concrete and uncomplicated way JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 51 Journal of Economic and Social Thought with emotion and reality. So anyone has the possibility to interpret facts and feel the emotions with fascination as well as compassion. 2. Demographic Challenges of the EU in Facts and Statistics Statistical indicators play a fundamental role in economic and social research. They can describe economic and social as well political developments more concretely and empirically. For that reason in this study some statistical facts have been applied. The indicators are referenced on Eurostat, as well other various publications. The statistics have been selected from various social branches. With respect to making the research object more factual, focus other statistics have been used because of their importance for complementary of research themes. The growth rate of population has many dimensions. While developed countries suffer under meager population growth, developing countries in contrast have an economic and social dilemma because of high population growth. More population means more challenges for them. They have not enough resources or accommodations for these surplus populations. High and low population growths tag along a circle of reasons and have many social, political and economic dimensions. It is most important that these challenges should not be ignored. Their consequences affect the economic as well as the political future of societies and countries. As shown in the following figures, most members of the European Union suffer under low population growth. Therefore they need regular migration from developing countries to energize their populations.According to the Eurostat calculations, in comparison to other regions, the EU’s population is growing at a relatively slow tempo. Table 1. Population and population projections (million) 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 World 6515 6907 7295 7667 8011 8318 8587 8824 9026 9191 Europe(1) 731 730 727 722 715 707 698 687 676 664 Africa 922 1032 1149 1271 1394 1518 1643 1765 1884 1998 Asia 3938 4166 4389 4596 4779 4931 5052 5148 5220 5266 L.Amreica 558 594 628 660 688 713 733 750 762 769 N.America 332 349 364 379 393 405 417 427 436 445 Oceania 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 46 48 49 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 EU-27 491 498 502 505 506 506 504 501 498 494 China 1313 1352 1389 1421 1446 1458 1458 1448 1431 1409 India 1134 1220 1303 1379 1447 1506 1554 1597 1632 1658 Japan 128 128 127 124 122 118 115 111 107 103 Russia 144 140 136 132 128 124 120 116 112 108 USA 300 315 329 343 355 366 376 386 393 402 Source: Eurostat (demo-pjan), United Nations, Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Eurostat 2009) The calculations of Eurostats prove; the relative weight of the EU-27’s population fell from 13.3 % of the world total in 1960 to 7.5 % by 2005. The Eurostat calculations confirm that a relatively large proportion of the population may shrink regularly. This tendency is prognosed to become more rapid in the next years.The EU, USA and other developed countries have borders with developing countries and millions of population of developing countries lives in the developed countries. A policy of the developed countries towards these countries and these cultures should be JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 52 Journal of Economic and Social Thought based on humanitarian values, peace and compromise. According to Article I-2, “The Union’s values”: “The Union is founded on the values of respect of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, indulging the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality women and men prevail”.1 The greatest asset of the world is human capital. The societies without a vigorous and dynamic population can not make progress. In this regard, migration is as important as FDI, export, import and growth. This situation is not only vital for the target country but also for the country of origin. Every country needs to harmonize as well balance its population, with inward and outward migration. A considerable majority of the Member States of the EU effected positively from migration, in respect of the energizing of their population. Figure I. Asylum Applications 2007 Source: Eurostat 2009 We should not consider at all conflicts with religious, ethnic or cultural backgrounds. In other words, we should not radicalize the social conflicts. Otherwise we give radical racist politicians opportunity to spreading out their demonic thoughts, and terrorizing mass as well as criminalizing their own society. In this planet not every generations of a nation will forever remain as a domestic inhabitant as dominate factor over minorities, as well as no one will forever live as a foreigner, furthermore no culture can be forever repressed. The only solution to overcome conflicts is compromise. Xenophobic allegedly politicians use in every stage of history the same evil methods: The misusing religion und politic. In society there are always some conflicts, which have different backgrounds. The animals and humans have many common features. Both species do not want voluntarily share their territory with their own kind. This conflict of interest is a major cause of conflicts. The color of skin is not fattening of intelligence or accomplishment. It is merely maneuvers of living beings for climatic adaptation. Learning a foreign language has also nothing to do with intelligence. The learning of a foreign language as well as integrating in a new culture are like an apprenticeship. They need support, benefits and equal opportunities. 3. Immigration in the USA in Facts and Statistics 1Draft, Treaty establishing a constitution for Europe, Article I-2, The Union’s values, July 2004. JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 53 Journal of Economic and Social Thought The USA was established by immigrants. Most of them came from Europe. Since landing Christopher Columbus in this continent, there has been a continuous immigration to America. But in this continent apparently the territory of the USA has provided more advantageous conditions for survival and a better life. Therefore it is the most important target of immigrants. Nevertheless many former immigrants are not agreed to the presence of new immigrants. According to US- Population Reference Bureau; "Nearly 70,000 foreigners arrive in the United States every day. Most of these travelers are visitors, not settlers. More than 60,000 are tourists, business people, students, or foreign workers who are welcomed at airports and border crossings. About 2,200 daily arrivals are immigrants or refugees who have been invited to become permanent residents of the United States. Finally, about 5,000 foreigners make unauthorized entries each day. About 4,000 of them are apprehended just after they cross the U.S.-Mexico border. But nearly 1,000 elude detection, or slip from legal to illegal status by violating the terms of their visas. Many will remain, while others will return to their home countries. Approximately 28.4 million foreign-born people live in the United States, representing 10.4 percent of the U.S. population."2 Figure II. Percent distribution of foreign born by world region of birth 2000 Source: Current Population Survey 2000, PGP 3- Ethnic harvest The indicators from Eurostats and other institutes have shown the remarkable demographic challenges of countries. To overcome these challenges, we must also consider the following points for a complementary perspective: Principally, developing countries are suffering under deficit of many significant points. That’s why developing counties should undertake more tangible measures to attract FDI to their country. The economies of poor countries face many challenges to integrate itself into the global economy system. The most problematic area is weak economic and political infrastructure and meager capital for improving them. They have a weak and unstable economy. These countries have always a chronic unemployment rate. Developing Countries require long term economic changes to survive against currently increased globalisation and liberalisation. For that reason they need more economic growth, considerable inward and outward FDI flows, a competitive economic structure as well 2Immigration to the United States, Population Reference Bureau, Ethnic harvest JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 54 Journal of Economic and Social Thought technology, more employment and tangible measures against economic and political instabilities and deficits. Geographical distance and transport possibilities have considerable impact on trade movements between countries and regions. This situation is especially true for developing countries because they technically as well as institutionally do not have enough possibilities to export as well as import to/from every country where it would be most profitable. On the other hand, Industry countries have more potential as import and export partners for their neighbours as well with rest of world. For these reasons, trade condition of developing countries should be improved. The economies of developing countries mainly depend on agriculture. Generally speaking, these countries are integrated into the world economy in a way that does not fully reap the benefits of globalization. Exports are concentrated in a few labor- intensive sectors and are insufficiently adapted to international demand. Trade between the developing countries and developed countries represents an international division of labor typical of countries with widely different income levels. Developing countries´ exports to the industry countries concentrate in primary products and consumption goods, while most imports are intermediate, mixed and equipment goods. Developing countries have underdevelopment problems. These countries have partially similar economic crises. Their economy is based fundamentally on agriculture; they try to industrialize their economy and to stabilize it. Developing countries must build up themselves as a strong entity and gain knowledge of to cooperate in order to be able to familiarize themselves with the industry countries as a strong partner and therefore be enabling to work together. Then it can be spoken of good cooperation, and both sides can benefit from it economic as well as politically. 4. Poverty in Facts and Statistics The scale of poverty has different measurement criteria as well methods. For instance, when in a rich country some percent of population does not have enough capital to buy themselves a sufficient of amount products like; wellness products, pet foods, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks and holiday possibilities than they will be classified as poor part of population. In poor countries this situation is total different. As example, when in a poor country some percent of population does not have enough capital to buy themselves a sufficient amount of products like; potatoes, onions, cooking oil, salt, bread, than they will be classified as a poor part of population. Sociologic problems of rich and poor countries are also different from each others. In rich countries a significant amount of population has experienced addiction to consumerism, overweight, triskaidekaphobia, xenophobia and mostly persecution complex. In contrast, parts of the population of poor countries suffer under famine, under nourishment and capacity overload.Another phenomenal reality is that, while most rich countries are exporters of military productions, poorer countries are strong importers of military equipment and they spend most of their national budget for military targets. Most strange is the fact that they put less effort into reducing poverty. In summery, while the populations of rich countries, as a consequence of their high level life standards have overdoses troubles, while poor countries population suffer under scarcity as consequence of lower level life standards. JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 55 Journal of Economic and Social Thought According to World Bank Development Indicators; the percent of poverty from world population has divergent levels and dimensions, there is a correlation between increasing and decreasing levels of poverty. It means when poorer population’s consumption is reduced, richer populations lose their current position at the same time. Another significant indicator shows that overpopulated China has a considerable effect on world consumption. Market economy has three main elements; production, distribution, consumption. This cycle needs a complementary process. If one of these elements is not successful, then market economy falls into economic crisis. That’s why firms try to trade globally, to distribute their products intended for much consumption well as they possibly can; furthermore they try to produce more profitable products. FDI as well as Export and Import are investments, which follow to profit from global economic cycles. However as an instrument of free trade movements, foreign investors try to maximise their profit. They practise the neo- classics arguments; “Economic agents always try to make optimal decisions, economic expectations are calculable and they use all possible information to maximize their profit.” In this framework they invest where more information about profit security is available. Due to this pragmatic tendency mostly FDI follow local company and governmental subventions. 5. Maps of Poverty and Immigration While the EU; USA, Russia, Canada and some other countries reach a high level of quality of life standards and internal- external, it should be target to support poor and less developed countries in reaching the tolerable standards. Industrial country’s economy is dominated by services and, to a less significant extent, manufacturing, while its agricultural and food processing sectors have declined and account for a negligible share of economic activity. In comparison to poor countries, the Industrial countries lead a better integrated structural combination. They lead in four liberties (free movement of goods and services, capital and workers. They have many advantage and improvements and they have more than one target. They target many strategic economic and political goals at the same time. These relations to poor countries are designed by the economic and political priorities. These priorities effect their relations with these countries. At the same time, they lead with the best organized international institutes as well better coordination of its monetary and financial units. They manage world economy through multinational companies. Multinational companies apply the latest modern technology and production methods. That’s why they need mostly qualified labour from their own country and does an important part of the fabrication by using modern machines. In this sense FDI in developing countries mostly applies to a marginal quantity of the local labour force. Nevertheless a fair collaboration can mutually increase the level of neighborhood. In addition, the globalization process has changed the meaning and rules of neighborhood as well as poor- rich country. As can be seen in the following map; a significant part of poor people still live in Africa and south Asia. JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 56 Journal of Economic and Social Thought Map I. World Poverty Distribution Source:CIESIN,http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/world-poverty-distribution /Hugo Ahlenius/UNEP/GRID-Arendal Reduction of poverty in Africa, especially in North Africa is a main target of EU. The Mediterranean countries are characterized by their common history, through cultural exchanges in the past and in the present, through trade relations (export, import ...), by similar problems (such as immigration, fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea, etc ...) and by their vision for further economic and social developments, and so are linked together. Therefore the EU has been building concrete relationships with these southern neighbors ever since its founding. The Mediterranean has always played a crucial role in the history of the European continent. The Union has taken a particular interest in security and social stability. The EU has a direct border with so-called “developing” countries and it also has prospects for a stable union, for that reason it can play a leading role in the global economy and in politics. As illustrated in the following map (Map II), a large proportion of immigrants come from neighboring and Mediterranean countries. This is another ever recurring debate in the EU. Therefore, the EU has strong international relations as well as the inevitable social and political connections with these countries. Economic priorities of the industry countries play an important part in these relations. Map II. World’s most important Immigration routes Source: http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/world-poverty-distribution /Hugo Ahlenius/UNEP/GRID-Arendal, National Public radio, The Economist, 5 January 2008. JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 57 Journal of Economic and Social Thought Developing countries suffer under long-term underdevelopment problems. To eliminate these infrastructure and economic weaknesses, they need external supports. Many developing countries have ex- colonial roots with some industry countries. This ex- colonial history affects not only on these countries themselves, but also ex- ruler countries, for example with regard to immigration. All industry countries have global goals to be a strong economic and political partner in the world. To reach this target, they need to cooperate with their neighbors as well rest of world. Therefore they support in some measure the economic and politic infrastructure of developing countries. Here regulation of immigration takes a special meaning. For that reason to maintain internal and external stability in their countries they are against migration and they try secure the borders. To reach these targets, they try to form these countries according their rules and policy. Using radical words like; „illegal immigrants”, “fighting against illegal immigrants”, and “human smuggling” is unfair. These people are not pirate, who one must fight against them. They are just a normal course of "self-reorganization as well balancing of the world population." Than each of us was anyhow immigrant and maybe in future will immigrate to a different place. Moreover using of these words encourages already stationed population (domestic), to more discriminate “new comer- people” (foreigner). 6. Visual Field Study During my field work on immigrants, I had the opportunity to be witness of their troubles as well as their hopes. Their poverty is a consequence of Immigration. These pictures tell more than words. I have been eyewitness of the disappointment on their face. It shows their sorrows and worries about the future.But at the same time I have been fascinated by their hope, friendship, and desire for peace. They shared with me everything that they had; foods, drinks and their heart breaking stories. During my study they werevery generously andthey explicitly welcome people who speaks their language and gives respect to their dream to a more secure life. A significant amount of children of the world have no idea of what kindergarten is and they have no relation to school and, most important, they are analphabetic and probably they and most other children will stay illiterate. Nevertheless they are still children; the whole world and their dreams lie before them. These children were so joyous and so hopeful as if all of their dreams would come true. Maybe at least some of them will find some opportunity to break through the dark clouds over them. During my visit with some immigrant children, they asked me only if I would give them some presents, like balloons or chewing- gums. But none of them asked me about computers, mobile phones or internet. My impression was that, they had no courage and hope to ask about getting such “modern” nuts and bolts. It is not extremely smart to discuss who is responsible for this kind unjustness, but it is simply unacceptable. They tell and teach me many extraordinary stories as well: Something about themselves, something of their lives, something of their dreams and something of their tears. They present me a piece of their hearts, and they advise me to be a good man, a man with honour and peacefully thoughts. These people have a very positive and dynamic energy. A fair and peaceful life, which based on cultural respect and tolerance, would make active this dynamic and energetic potential for benefit of all of us. JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 58 Journal of Economic and Social Thought Solidarity is cooperation, providing help and standing by people, who need our support and our hope. It is an act of showing respect and sympathy to people, without sorrows about profit. It is also a desire for peace and coexistence of cultures. Solidarity is dedication and confidence to consider dignity and human rights. Hence one should show solidarity with these people. It would be fair to say, that each of us has the same rights to survive on this planet. Every person has hopes, dreams, memories, tasks and responsibilities towards each other. We should allow everyone and give each person a chance, to be able for realizing a piece of their hopes. 7. Conclusion Integration means to join in the life of a group or society, or to help someone to do this, in order to is to combine two or more elements to make an effective system. It is also a kind of compromise between different cultures. It is the logically as well reasonable way to end a conflict. When slavery was a normal trafficking ware of social systems, the keeping and occupancy of slaves was a prestigious matter. If one slave broke away from his lord, bringing him to his owner was legally a task for the police and other state organs, even in society it was accepted as good manners to catch him and to give him back to the person from whom he ran away. This system was a well functioning international legal and social system. Any free men, even a member of a loyal family, like kings or queens could fall anytime into slavery. The number of Slaves grows after losing wars or during a famine, natural catastrophes and during other kinds of evolutionary phases of planet earth. The regime of slavery could continue because of this perfect isolation system. The slaves were so isolated and surrounded; they couldn’t get anyway to save their freedom. Fortunately human beings had at least the capability to abolish legal and flaunty slavery. However, there are still many forms of slavery, or better said, various methods to use humans as slaves. For example; isolating, criminalizing and than deporting of immigrants is a kind of modern slavery regime. Today or in the future any rich or powerful person or nation can also become an immigrant or can lose their power or property for some reason. Immigration and integration are challenges, which affect not only immigrants but also the entire society. Integration is an essential element for the participation of migrants in the native society. Integration needs above all possibilities and courage for political participation of migrants in society, so that they can participate in the political and social structures of society. One can not speak without social trust and social capital of a contented society. Therefore, "social capital" is just as important as “financial capital”. If the integration of immigrants could be sponsored, they can make their contribution to society better. Immigrants without social capital, and equality cannot achieve their true potential for themselves and for society.The abolishment of legal slavery with the courage of our forefathers and their other improvements of society can be and should be developed further by our generation, so we are able to bequeath something better to future generation. Human rights and justness are of concern for every person, maybe not yet for some, but surely in future. JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 59 Journal of Economic and Social Thought References Alpago A., Power and Poverty: Is the EU a New Planet?, Peter Lang Publication, Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, Bern, Bruxelles, New York, Oxford, Wien, 2010 Ethnic harvest, Immigration to the United States, Population Reference Bureau, Eurostat United Nations, Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (Eurostat 2009) The Economist, 5 January 2008 http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/world-poverty- distribution/Hugo Ahlenius/UNEP/GRID-Arendal Copyrights Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0). JEST, 2(1), H. Alpagu. p.50-60. 60