During the Climate Migration topic, we covered the following topics:
Migrant flows: There are three stages of management of migrant flows:
Ascending State (country A):
- Dire situation
- Lack of economic opportunities
- Brutally repressive regime
- General insecurity
In this case investments can be made in Country (A) to reduce the number of people who may decide to leave
On their way to desired Country (B)
- Divert to country (C) with the condition that that the U.S. will provide support to that country.
Arriving country (B)
- Utilize policies in country B
- How to treat and process them
- Basis to accept or reject
Broad categories of migration
- Voluntary migration
- Better job
- Join family
- Enjoy freedom
- Involuntary migration
- Find any job
- Bring family
- Escape danger
- Each of these categories could be classified as climate change migrants.
Differentiating migrants has become very politicized: What is best for the U.S. as compared to what is best for the migrants.
Ronald Reagan has a soft line approach of the migrants – He offered amnesty to those who have established roots in the U.S. and lived here, even though they have entered the U.S. illegally.
In 2022 a Long Island University survey determined that the top three issues facing the voters were the Economy, Corona Virus, and healthcare. Climate change and Immigrations were 5 and 6 on the list, and combined they constituted 17% of the concerns which put in the #2 position.
Main Consideration
- Climate Migration:
- Natural disasters (21.5M annually) with the vast majority internally displaced. By 2025, this number is expected to reach between 140M and 1B caused by global warming, sea level rise, draught, and forest fires. Stage 1 is rural to urban. Stage 2 is urban to international. Draught is predicted to increase in North & South America between 2030 and 2039.
- Cause & Effect: Leaving country of origin seeking asylum. If it is relating to was and crime, then I might be processed. If loss of job or poverty, it is likely to be rejected.
- Climate Change: It is happening. The implications are dire. Solutions are complex, and the political divide in the U.S. does not help.
Foreign Policy Options
- Domestic policy that addresses climate migrants.
- Foreign policy that coordinates with other nations.
- Long-term bipartisan political consensus.
- Broad public buy-in and support.
- Managing migration:
- Focus on our own border
- Divert migrants before they reach the U.S.
- Aid countries like Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela that are primary sources of migration in our hemisphere.