Imigrace

Imigrace refers to the process of people moving into a country with the intention of living there for an extended period, potentially obtaining permanent residence or citizenship. It is the counterpart to emigration, which describes leaving one’s country of origin. Immigrants may arrive for work, family reunification, study, or asylum, and they enter under various legal mechanisms such as visas, work permits, refugee status, or family sponsorship. Immigration is often described in terms of both the actions of the individuals and the policies of host countries that regulate entry, integration, and rights.

Historically, immigration has been a constant feature of human societies, shaped by trade, conquest, colonization, and, more recently, globalization. Large-scale movements occurred during industrialization and after major conflicts, with waves of migrants shaping demographics and economies in many regions. In recent decades, globalization and labor markets, along with humanitarian protection regimes, have led to more regulated but still substantial flows of people across borders.

Push factors include conflict, persecution, poverty, and environmental pressures; pull factors include job opportunities, higher wages, education, safety, and established diaspora networks. Immigrants may arrive temporarily on student or work visas, with pathways to permanent residency and naturalization in some countries. Family reunification is a common route, as are refugee and asylum procedures for people fleeing violence.

Immigration policy varies widely, affecting admission quotas, labor market access, social benefits, language and integration programs, and recognition of foreign qualifications. Impacts are debated: immigration can influence population aging, demographic balance, and economic growth, while posing integration challenges and requiring inclusive policies.

Global governance involves international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations, which monitor migrant stocks, protect rights, and promote humane treatment. The number of international migrants is in the hundreds of millions, representing a significant share of the world population.