International migration and regional stability

The growing concern of governments around the world with trends in immigration is examined. The author notes that the recent political changes in Eastern Europe were precipitated by the mass movement of people from East to West. He also looks at the probable future trends in international migration pressures from developing to developed countries. This article looks at some of the causes and consequences of international migration and sets out some of the policy questions that Northern and Southern governments will need to address if mass migration movements are to be absorbed and contained. Uncontrolled mass migration it argues could threaten social cohesion international solidarity and peace. (EXCERPT)