Abstract This paper examines the relationship between migration, human displacement, and development in the context of globalization and contemporary migration governance. It argues that migration is not an exceptional phenomenon, but a historical and structural feature of human societies, deeply connected to trade, foreign investment, economic transformation, and human development. The paper highlights the benefits of migration for migrants, destination countries, and countries of origin, particularly through labor mobility, remittances, return migration, human capital, innovation, and transnational networks. At the same time, it addresses the growing scale and complexity of forced migration, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons affected by war, repression, poverty, climate change, and natural disasters. The paper also discusses the legal and political challenges of distinguishing between voluntary and forced migration, especially through the refugee regime and the principle of non-refoulement. A central argument is the “liberal paradox,” which captures the tension between economic openness, humanitarian obligations, sovereignty, border control, and citizenship. The paper concludes that migration can contribute to greater openness, wealth, and human development if it is properly governed through international cooperation, rights protection, and stronger global migration and refugee frameworks.
James F. Hollifield (Thu,) studied this question.
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