9.6. Internal Migration v/s External Migration

Perhaps the single most significant aspect of internal migration is that it alters the spatial distribution of population. Moreover, internal migration shapes human settlement patterns. In 19th century for example, internal migration from rural areas was essential to the growth of industrial cities and towns in Britain, where mortality was high.

There is also a longstanding pattern of migration outwards from city cores to the urban peripheries and beyond, driven by new household formation and facilitated by the development of rail and road transport for commuting. This process of suburbanization continues in most countries, although in some cities, central re-urbanisation is occurring.

When advanced urbanisation has been achieved, a reversal occurs as migration cascades down the urban hierarchy leading in some countries to counter-urbanisation.

International migration on the other hand plays an important role in adding to populations in metropolises in the developed world but makes a minor contribution to population redistribution in less developed countries.

International migration may be compared to international trade as both are mechanisms for globalization. In most receiving countries, immigrants pay taxes and have the right to draw on at least some public services, changing the net tax burden on native residents. Once they become citizens, immigrants generally obtain the right to vote, altering domestic politics. In sending countries, emigrants cause corresponding fiscal and political disruptions by their departure.

Increased inflows of low-skilled labor may exacerbate distortions created by social-insurance programs, which would possibly increase the net tax burden on native residents and thereby fuel political opposition to immigration.