The Immigration Debate: Myths, Facts and Ethics

Immigration is one of the most emotionally charged issues in global politics today. No other issue generates as much heat, fear, or political division. But how much of what we hear about immigration is true? What are its actual effects on jobs, housing, public services, innovation and social cohesion? Has global migration actually been increasing — and do border restrictions even work? And even if we could agree on the facts, what ethical principles should guide our thinking? Do people have a right to seek a better life across borders? What do wealthy nations owe to those displaced by poverty, conflict, or climate change? How should we balance compassion, fairness, freedom and national self-determination? Join us for a thoughtful discussion as we explore one of the most important and controversial global questions of our time.

Book: How Migration Really Works – A Factful Guide to the Most Divisive Issue in Politics (2023) by Hein de Haas
Companion Reading: The Ethics of Migration - An Introductory Guide v3(prepared for this meetup)Essential Ideas at a Glance: Infographics, Tables and Summaries on Migration Myths (prepared for this meetup)

For this month’s meetup we have two principal readings that approach migration from complementary angles: one examines the myths and realities of migration across the world, while the other explores its ethical dimensions.

In How Migration Really Works, Dutch migration scholar Hein de Haas argues that much of the public debate is driven by myths and misunderstandings. Although Australia receives some attention, this is not a book specifically about the Australian migration debate; it is a wide-ranging account grounded in decades of international research. De Haas explores questions such as whether migration is