Problematic Aspects of Emigration (Essay Sample)

Problematic Aspects of Emigration
Name
Institutional
Problematic Aspects of Emigration
Emigration is defined as the act of leaving one’s country with the intention of settling in a foreign country. The person undertaking this act is called an emigrant. As with any activity involving relocation, there are a number of challenges that emigrants, as well as their host countries face (Rudiger & Spencer, 2003). These problems are two pronged: those facing the host countries and those facing the emigrants.
Emigrants face a number of challenges. The first and most troubling challenge is the language barrier many emigrants face. While leaving their host countries in search of greener pastures, many emigrants rarely consider the gravity of the language barriers they could potentially face (Kahanec & Zimmermann, 2009). The situation is tremendously exasperating when the emigrant is in search of employment. The inability to communicate effectively renders the emigrant handicapped. They are unable to apply for well-paying jobs or learn more about their host country. The result is that the emigrant is forced to settle for whatever comes their way. They are relegated to doing menial jobs that are way below their stature and education level. This is particularly true seeing that many emigrants are learned. Another challenge that many emigrants face is racism. The world is home to many races, all of which are supposed to co-exist in harmony. However, the inherent ideologies of racial supremacy pose a great challenge to the emigrants. This problem is well manifested in countries where the native population feeds off racial stereotypes (Segal, 2002). The belief that a certain race behaves in a certain way is a huge disadvantage to emigrants looking to settle in a foreign country. The ‘group think’ ideology is a great disadvantage to many emigrants keen on accessing the opportunities available in their host country.
The host country is also on the receiving end of quite a number of problems. The global arena is seldom one that restricts emigration of individuals looking to access living opportunities better than those of their native countries. The flocking of emigrants poses a threat to the labor and employment market of the host country (Rudiger & Spencer, 2003). The fact that many emigrants are ready and willing to take on any employment opportunities to make a living disadvantages the native population. Many menial and laborious jobs are often given to emigrants. This is because many employers find emigrants a cheaper and more obedient option than native workers. The sidelining of the native labour force is often the cause of riots and labour demonstrations in many host countries.
The host countries also face a vast problem from the social pressures exerted on social amenities. The emigration of individuals into the host country puts forth pressure on the social amenities of the host country (Segal, 2002). Seeing that the facilities were designed to make provision for a specific number of the populace, it proves a great challenge. Medical facilities, housing and educational facilities are the most affected by the emigration process.
Conclusively, both the emigrants and the host countries are greatly affected. The challenges faced are divers...