Migration and Security: Exploding the Myths and Understanding the Realities

Abstract

Recognizing the risks of applying a security lens to migration, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of current research and analysis on the linkages between migration and security, underscoring in the process the role of demographic analysis and perspective in building knowledge about these linkages. The chapter begins with a discussion of definitions – illustrating that this is not only an issue of international migration, and introducing the concept of human security. It then considers how migrants and migration may pose a threat to national security first in destination countries and then in origin countries, before turning attention briefly to the human security of those migrants involved. The chapter concludes, however, by highlighting that there is actually very little empirical research on the linkages between migration and security, which is certainly needed to confirm or deny some of the common assumptions made about the effects of contemporary migration, and to develop effective policy responses. A role for population scientists to contribute to strengthening the empirical foundation for understanding the migration/security nexus is apparent.