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US Immigration Curbs Cut Mexican Remittances
“Growing anti-immigration sentiment, tighter border controls and a weaker job market in the US slowed the flow of money sent home by Mexican migrant workers this year, the World Bank said on Friday.
While Mexico ranks third in the world after India and China when it comes to remittance flows, the World Bank said in 2007 transfers to Mexico grew by only 1.4 percent in the first nine months compared to those months last year, to around $25 billion. This compares to over 20 percent annual growth from 2002 to 2006. …
The World Bank also said remittances were not only flowing from migrants to poor countries. Richer countries such as France, Spain and Britain were among the world's 10 top recipients of the $318 billion in global remittance flows in 2007, mainly from migrants working in other wealthier European countries.” [Reuters (12/01)/Factiva]
Xinhua reports that “Romania is among the world's first ten states in 2007 from the viewpoint of the remittances sent home by their nationals working abroad, the national Rompres News Agency reported on Sunday, citing a report issued by the World Bank.
According to the document called Remittance trends in 2007, the Romanian nationals who work abroad will send to Romania this year as many as $6.8 billion, a figure which places it among the world's first ten countries. …
The World Bank estimates the total remittances will stand in 2007 at $240 billion, up as against $221 billion U.S. dollars reported in 2006. At world level, the international financial body forecasts remittances worth about $318 billion. …” [Xinhua (12/02)/Factiva]
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Veteran Journalists and Diversity Experts Focus on Immigration and Migration Trends at Dec. 4 Think Tank
Latest Session in the Society of Professional Journalists Journalism Education Series Sponsored by Marketwire Highlights the Effects of Demographic Changes on the Media
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) continues its thought-provoking Journalism Education Series with a session dedicated to the impact of immigration and migration trends on business, labor, culture and government. Veteran journalists and diversity experts will discuss how the news media are changing in the context of today's America during this idea-packed think tank session on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 8:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Miami. The SPJ Journalism Education Series is sponsored by Marketwire, a full-service newswire and communications workflow provider.
This dynamic, 90-minute think tank will arm public relations professionals and journalists communicating with communities across the country with the tools and techniques to excel in this dynamic environment. Award-winning reporter and writer Sally Lehrman will moderate the session and participate in the discussion featuring panelists Sergio Bendixen, who is recognized as the preeminent expert in Hispanic public opinion research in the United States and Latin America, and Alex Stepick, who has researched the impact of immigration on Miami for the past 20 years.
"Demographic changes are affecting Miami and neighborhoods across the United States. These changes are dramatically impacting how the news media covers the economy, lifestyles and government," said Clint Brewer, SPJ national president. "The Journalism Education Series is designed to help the public understand how to effectively communicate with journalists. As their roles evolve, sessions like these are critical to developing messages that help the media do their jobs."
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Female Migration Increases and Spurs Development, Shows World Bank Research
WASHINGTON — Women make up almost half the migrant population in the world and their numbers are increasing, according to a new World Bank report released on November 26, 2007.
"The fact that women now account for almost half the total migrant population is having enormous effects on development," says Andrew Morrison, lead economist at the World Bank's Gender Group. "Women are sending lots of money to their families back home, and evidence from rural Mexico shows that their migration leads to positive economic effects for the homes they leave behind."
Between 1960 and 2005, the percentage of international migrants who are women increased by almost 3 percentage points from 46.7 percent to 49.6 percent, to a total number of approximately 95 million women, according to the new World Bank volume, The International Migration of Women, edited by economists Andrew R. Morrison, Maurice Schiff, and Mirja Sjöblom.
The number of female migrants is larger than that of male migrants in the former Soviet Union (58 percent and rising), is about equal and rising in Europe, Oceania, and Latin America and the Caribbean, is equal and steady in North America, and is smaller in Africa (47 percent and rising) and Asia (43 percent and falling).
"The share of women migrating for employment rather than family reasons has increased over time, though their performance in host countries' labor markets varies significantly according to country of origin," Maurice Schiff, World Bank lead economist at the Development Research Group.
Women migrants working in the U.S. who hail from the Caribbean, East Asia, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa have higher labor force participation than those from South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Among women migrants educated in their home countries, those from Ireland, Australia and the UK make the most money. Among developing countries, women from South Africa, Jamaica and India have the highest salaries while those from Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Cuba are the least successful, highlighting the importance of language skills for labor market performance. The study also shows that U.S.-educated women migrants earn more than those educated at home.
The International Migration of Women also finds that increased border expenditures in the United States significantly deter migration by Mexican women, but not by Mexican men. This is likely because the cost of illegal migration is greater for women than for men because women are more vulnerable to abuse while migrating.
"One of the most important messages of this book is that migration studies can no longer ignore women migrants," says Mirja Sjöblom, co-editor of the volume. "This is a fascinating research area because we are still missing important pieces of the puzzle. For example, we need to know more about the differential impact of male and female migration on family cohesion and children's welfare, as well as why certain households prefer female rather than male migration."
In order to increase the positive effects of women migration on development, the study recommends:
Developing mechanisms to increase women's ability to influence the allocation of household expenditure. This is especially important for migrant women sending remittances, since they are likely to want to spend more on children's education;
Expanding temporary migration opportunities for women through Mode IV [1], guest worker and other mechanisms; and
Allocating significant resources to collecting and analyzing new sex-disaggregated migration statistics, which will inform next-generation migration policy.
[1] Mode IV of the General Agreement on Trade and Services entails the temporary movement of persons employed by foreign firms in order to provide services to the host country.
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New immigrants more likely to cite saving for their kids' education than other financial goals, RBC study
TORONTO - When it comes to financial goals, more new immigrants to Canada include saving for their children's education than saving for their own retirement or even paying down a mortgage. This is according to an RBC/Ipsos Reid survey that shows regardless of tenure or country of origin, new Canadians clearly have education on their minds.
While most new immigrants (70 per cent) who have been in Canada 10 years
or less are still focusing on having enough money to cover daily expenses, the
RBC survey shows 46 per cent identify saving for their children's education as
a financial goal for the next 12 months. This compares to 41 per cent who cite
saving for retirement and paying down the mortgage (40 per cent).
"While covering day-to-day expenses is still top-of-mind for most, many
new Canadians are already looking to the future and their children's
education," noted Mark Whitmell, RBC's director, Cultural Markets. "This
doesn't entirely surprise us as new Canadians are likely to have more
education than the overall population. In fact, the 2006 Statistics Canada
Census shows more than two-thirds (68 per cent) have at least some university
education."
The RBC survey shows the combined average top financial goals for the
next 12 months of new immigrants to Canada (who have been here ten years or
less) regardless of ethnicity, as:
<<
- Day to day expenses: 70 per cent
- Saving for children's education: 46 per cent
- Saving for retirement: 41 per cent
- Paying down the mortgage: 40 per cent
- Saving for a major purchase other than real estate or property:
37 per cent
- Saving in the event of illness or death in the family: 33 per cent
- Saving to buy a home (27 per cent)
- Saving for expenses relating to aging parents (22 per cent)
- Owning a business or saving for own education (20 per cent each)
- Paying down debts other than mortgage (19 per cent)
- Saving for or paying off home renovations (12 per cent)
By tenure, the RBC survey shows the top five financial goals of new
immigrants over the next 12 months as:
| in Canada |
less than 3 Years |
3 - less than 5 Years |
5-10 Years |
| Daily expenses |
(77%) |
(65%) |
(70%)
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| Children's Education |
(50%) |
(47%) |
(44%) |
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A major purchase other than real estate property (39%) |
Paying down mortgage (44%) |
Retirement
(43%)
Paying down mortgage
(43%) |
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Own Education (35%) |
Major purchase 41%) |
Major purchase (34%)
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"We initiated this study of immigrants who have been in Canada 10 years
or less because one of our priorities is to ensure they are in the best
position they can be to settle in Canada successfully," explained Mr.
Whitmell. "Having a better appreciation of what matters most to newcomers
gives us a better perspective on how we can help them achieve their goals
faster and easier."
One of the ways RBC is helping new Canadians is through the RBC Royal
Bank Scholarship for New Canadians which awards seven immigrant students with
a cash prize of $2,000 each toward education expenses. This year's winners, to
be announced at a dinner in Toronto tomorrow evening, have come from China,
India, and South Africa and have settled in locales as diverse as Kingston,
Ontario, Vancouver, B.C. and Red Deer, Alberta.
Said Whitmell: "We have always believed that new Canadians place a high
priority on education but being able to quantify this knowledge makes us even
more pleased to recognize the accomplishments of new immigrant students."
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Ontario Chamber facilitates integration of immigrants with global experience
Projects will take place in Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Markham, Ottawa, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines and Sudbury.
TORONTO - The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is sponsoring seven local community projects designed to engage employers in efforts to integrate internationally trained professionals and trades people.
The OCC initiative, entitled Global Experience @ Work, involves over
80 community organizations in the province, including 9 local chambers of
commerce and boards of trade.
"We're proud to help local chambers of commerce and boards of trade
further invest in their communities," says Len Crispino, President & CEO of
the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "Since each one was conceived of by local
community organizations, including business groups, employment agencies,
training boards and colleges, and agencies serving immigrants, they've been
designed to meet the specific needs of those regions."
Global Experience @ Work is part of an OCC strategy to better promote
Ontario as a career, business and investment destination of choice, and to
ensure that Ontario keeps pace with a competitive global economy by investing
in human capital. It's been reported that by 2011 immigration will account for
100% of Canada's labour force growth, making it even more important that
employers and immigrants connect.
"We're already facing crippling shortages of skilled workers in Ontario,
a shortage that will only get worse as a result of a declining birthrate and
more retiring workers," explains Crispino. "Global Experience @ Work
provides the vital link to employers that is essential if we're to help
immigrants maximize their employment potential and contributions to our
economy."
Local projects will result in the following: direct placements,
mentorships and internships for internationally trained workers in SMEs,
diversity and cross-cultural training for employers, seminars and toolkits.
Additional initiatives will focus on increasing the understanding immigrants
have about employment integration, prior to their arrival in Ontario.
Global Experience @ Work proceeds with the support of the Ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration. Local projects were chosen after a detailed
review process, from proposals submitted by local chambers of commerce and
boards of trade. They will take place in Brampton, Hamilton,
Kitchener-Waterloo, Markham, Ottawa, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines and
Sudbury.
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Strong immigration boosts population growth
In Canada, the long-term trend has been towards slower
population growth, although there was actually a small
acceleration in growth in the past five years to mid-2006
brought about by higher immigration according to Canada
Mortgage and Housing Corporation?s (CMHC) 2007 Canadian
Housing Observer.
In 2001, the proportion of immigrants in the Canadian
population was at its highest level since the 1930s. In
Toronto it is well over 40 per cent, and Vancouver isn?t
far behind. The Observer also found a rise in the average
annual net household formation from the previous decade,
with the highest rate of household growth in Barrie, Ontario.
The Canadian Housing Observer, CMHC?s annual flagship
publication, is a free, comprehensive source of information
and analysis on Canadian housing conditions, trends and
issues.
Other findings in the Canadian Housing Observer include:
Population flow to Alberta from other provinces increases.
In recent years, migration from other parts of Canada to
Alberta strengthened. Alberta?s population has grown at
more than twice the national rate since 1971. British
Columbia was the only other province in recent years not
to experience a net outflow to other parts of Canada. In
fact, in the other eight provinces this outflow increased.
In Newfoundland and Labrador and in Saskatchewan, the total
population has been declining for a number of years.
More cottage owners ? mostly baby boomers
The number of houses built between 2001 and 2006 was actually
well in excess of the growth in households. Part of the
difference may reflect the rising appetite of Canadians for
second homes, vacation homes or cottages. As of 2005, there
were around 1.1 million households with such homes, an
increase of 200,000 from six years previous. The Observer
found that about three quarters of this increase was due to
purchases made by those in the 45 to 64 age group ? roughly
corresponding to the age of baby-boomers at the time.
Huge variation in the number of housing starts in relation
to population
The number of homes built in relation to population, and the
consequent contribution of housing construction to the local
economy, varies considerably by census metropolitan area
because of widely divergent household growth. This growth
is itself driven by the strength of labour markets, and
population growth. The Observer found that Kelowna had the
highest per capita rate of household starts at 14 per
thousand, in the five years leading up to 2006, more than
seven times that in Thunder Bay (which had the lowest per
capita rate).
Despite concerns about urban sprawl, and interest in renewing
inner city neighbourhoods, most growth in metropolitan areas
continues to be in the suburbs. Municipalities on the
periphery of metropolitan areas grew at more than double the
rate of central municipalities. .There was essentially no
change in the population of remote small towns and rural areas.
Income and wealth disparities widen
The gap between haves and have-nots has grown wider. Income
disparity has been growing in Canada, with the average real
income of the top fifth of households rising by close to
20 per cent between 1990 and 2005. The income of the bottom
fifth fell by over three per cent - to one eighth of that in
the top group. This rising income disparity is also reflected
in the incomes of owners and renters, with the median after-
tax incomes of owner households growing in real terms by over
six per cent from 1990 to 2005, while that of renters dropped
by two per cent. Rising house prices contributed to a widening
in the wealth differential between owners and renters, with
the real median net worth of owners rising 27 per cent from
1999 to 2005, while that of renters fell five per cent. As a
result, owner households had a median net worth of $327,000 in
2005, compared to just $14,000 for renters. In 2005, the
principal residence accounted for almost a third of the net
worth of owner households.
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“Voices on the Rise” Afghan photojournalism exhibit in Waterloo
Waterloo - The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is hosting “Voices on the Rise: Afghan Woman Making the News,” a photojournalism exhibit that offers a glimpse into the lives of Afghan women journalists, writers, photographers, filmmakers, activists and politicians and the challenges they face as they struggle to balance new found freedoms with traditional responsibilities – all the while struggling with the ghosts of their country's past.
The 42 framed photos will be on public display at CIGI from Monday November 5 – Wednesday November 14 (8:30 am – 5:00 pm, daily).
The exhibition is co-curated by Khorshied Samad, the wife of Afghanistan's Ambassador to Canada and Jane McElhone, a journalist who lived and worked in Afghanistan. Currently based in London (UK), McElhone works for the Network Media Program of the Open Society Institute - a private foundation funded by philanthropist George Soros. This is the first time the traveling exhibit has been displayed in the Waterloo Region.
CIGI, CIC and the Embassy of Afghanistan are hosting an Exhibition Launch Wednesday, November 7 at 6:00 pm at CIGI. The half hour formal program begins at 7:30 pm.
FORMAL PROGRAM INCLUDES REMARKS BY:
Sally Armstrong - writer, journalist, human rights and press freedom activist known for her support for and writing on Afghan women
Humaira Habib - young Afghan journalist currently attending McGill University as a Sauve Scholar; featured in one of the photos
Paul Heinbecker – CIGI Distinguished Fellow; Canada’s former ambassador to the United Nations
Farida Nekzad - editor-in-chief of Pajhwok Afghan News, an independent news agency based in Kabul; recipient of international press freedom award from Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Farzana Wahidy - young Afghan photographer featured in the exhibition
EVENT: “Voices on the Rise: Afghan Women Making the News” Photojournalism Exhibition
DATE: Wednesday, November 7
TIME:
Exhibition Launch: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Formal Program: 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
LOCATION: The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), 57 Erb Street West, Waterloo, Ontario
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Greater Kitchener - Waterloo Chamber of Commerce host Competitive Advantage Forum for Employers
Kitchener - How are our leading employers enhancing their competitive advantage by employing foreign trained professionals? What are they doing to attract, recruit, hire, integrate and retain foreign trained professionals and how are they doing it?
WRIEN´s Competitive Advantage Forum is organized for Waterloo Region employers, who hire or plan to hire foreign trained professionals as a solution to skills shortages. The Forum will showcase some immigrant employment best practices that may be of significant value to your organization.
The keynote speaker, David Foot, is the author of the best seller "Boom, Bust & Echo." He will present a dynamic picture of workforce challenges and opportunities that will impact Waterloo Region.
The Forum will be held on November 14, 2007 at Holiday Inn Kitchener-Waterloo. 30 Fairway Rd.S., Kitchener.
Agenda
7:30am Registration, Breakfast, Networking
8:00am Keynote address by David Foot
9:00am Presentation of employer workforce best practices
9:45am- Added Feature - Open Forum with 10:45am David Food
Tickets: $20.00 each including GST
Registration: Please contact Helen Chen at hchen@greaterkwchamber.com or 519.749.6034
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Daw Immigration Solutions Inc. opens in Waterloo
Waterloo - A consulting firm focusing on immigration solutions for local businesses has opened in Waterloo. Owner Chris Daw, a member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, is excited about assisting the local business community with an issue that many companies struggle with.
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International Migration, Economic Development and Policy
edited by Caglar Ozden and Maurice Schiff
International migration has become a central element of international relations and global integration process due to its rapidly increasing economic, social and cultural impact in both the source and destination countries. The purpose of this new book is to expand earlier work on migration and development both in terms of geography, methodology, and the issues examined.
This second research volume adds to the first volume (International Migration, Remittances, and the Brain Drain, 2005) by expanding the number of countries covered, and by providing thinking on new topics such as the gender-differentiated impact of migration and remittances; the impact of migration on fertility rates in the country of origin; and temporary/return migration.
Nine additional studies cover countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, North America, South Asia and the Pacific, as well as Western Europe.
Part I consists of four chapters, three of which examine the impact of migration and remittances on development indicators in Pakistan and twelve Latin American and Caribbean countries, while one examines an entirely new topic—the impact of international migration on birth rates and the extent of the demographic transition in the migrants’ countries of origin, with focus on Egypt, Morocco and Turkey.
Part II consists of two chapters dealing with host country policies and their impact on migrants (New Zealand and Switzerland).
In Part III, one chapter examines the determinants of return and repeat migration in Norway, and the second looks at the degree of success and the occupational choice of return migrants relative to non-migrants with similar profiles in Egypt.
Book overview
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