International Migration

The global migration phenomenon shows no signs of abating. The quest for improved economic prospects drives migration. Demographic imbalances also play a role. While the developed world's populations are shrinking and their average age is rising, the developing world is still young, and its population is growing. Meanwhile internal conflicts and persecution based on ethnic, religious, or social grounds create millions of refugees. These global migration trends have a significant impact on the United States.

For further information on this topic, visit the Migration Policy Institute's Data Hub, which offers in-depth and comparative migration data for countries across the globe.

The Refugee and Asylee Population

Refugees (individuals who apply for admission to the United States at an overseas facility) and asylees (individuals who apply for admission once they are within this nation’s borders or at a point of entry) seek refuge in America for a number of different reasons, including fear of persecution in their homeland. For information, data, and resources on refugees and asylees, please visit:

Refugee and Asylee Women

Following the UNHCR’s release of guidelines addressing the persecution of women, in 1993 Canada was the first country to issue its own laws. Canada recognizes women fleeing domestic violence, honor killing, sex slavery, genital cutting, and rape committed during war as eligible conditions for asylee status. The courts of New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Australia have also granted asylum in such cases. Early in 2007, Spain passed a gender-equity law, and now accepts asylum claims for gender-based persecution. In the United States, Attorney General Janet Reno recommended guidelines but to date none have been enacted. Resources on this topic:

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