Legal Definitions - migration

Migration refers to the process by which individuals or groups of people move from one geographical area to another, typically involving a change in their permanent residence. This movement can occur within the borders of a single country (internal migration) or across international borders (international migration).

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of migration:

• Example 1: International Economic Migration

  A skilled architect from Brazil accepts a job offer in Germany and, along with their spouse and children, relocates to Berlin to live and work permanently.

  This illustrates international migration because the family is moving from their home country (Brazil) to a different country (Germany) with the intention of establishing a new, long-term residence and integrating into a new society for economic opportunity.

• Example 2: Internal Migration Due to Environmental Factors

  Following a prolonged drought that made farming unsustainable, numerous agricultural families living in a rural region of California decide to move to larger urban centers within the same state to find new employment and better living conditions.

  This demonstrates internal migration, as the families are moving from one distinct region to another *within the same country* (rural California to urban California) due to environmental pressures impacting their livelihood.

• Example 3: International Humanitarian Migration

  A group of individuals flees their home country in Eastern Europe due to widespread political persecution and violence, seeking refuge and asylum in a neighboring Western European nation.

  This is an example of international migration driven by humanitarian concerns. The individuals are moving across international borders from their country of origin to another country, seeking safety and protection from harm, with the hope of establishing a new life there.