Human Migration
Human Migration refers to the physical movement of people from their place of origin to a new, far destination. This physical movement does not only refer to an isolated group of persons but, usually, implies a large group of persons of the same race or consanguinity.
There are several reasons why peoples migrate from one country to another. More often than not, the common denominator for deciding to do so is country’s economic and political situation. Migration usually starts with a small group of people deciding to test the situation in another country. If the situation is more fruitful, these migrants give feedback to their relatives or friends, which will result to another wave of migration to the said country. Eventually, the country that acts as refuge will be faced with many migrants often searching for better life.
Animal Migration
Animal Migration, which is almost as synonymous to human migration, also refers to the physical movement of animals from their place of origin to a new destination. Unlike humans though, animals migrate or move upon instincts and upon change of seasons. Migratory birds, for example, leave a country to escape winter and to mate in another country during the summer season. Schools of salmon, for example, go down the river to find food and to mate and will soon swim against the river currents to go back up and lay its eggs.
Difference between Human and Animal Migration
The difference between human and animal migration is that the latter migrates with the intention of always coming back from its point of origin. Meanwhile, with humans, they migrate with the thought of settling down in a new place.
Trends of Human Migration in the UK
In the 21st century, human migration patterns are now being studied by certain countries. One of which is the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is one of the many First World nations that are highly affected by immigration, which means foreigners coming to UK for work or residence. UK has been used as a political refuge by groups of people coming from the UK’s former colonies or part of UK’s territories. Now, however, most migrants seek greener pastures as they know that the value of UK Pounds is very high compared to their country of origin.
According to the immigration studies made in the UK, there are about 1,500,000 migrants that came to live or work in the UK in the mid to late 2000s. About half of them left UK and the rest applied for citizenship or permanent residency. The nation has now taken steps to sift and select migrants that can become a British citizen or resident by allowing them to take cultural tests, Life in the UK test, and language tests.
Life in the UK Test
Is one of the tests given to foreigners currently working and living in the UK who are applying for permanent residency or British citizenship. This test, which can be taken online, is composed of multiple-choice items that must be answered and completed in 45 minutes or less. Each item will test the knowledge of the applicant in terms of how life is in the UK and the different cultures and traditions that affect life in the UK. Once the applicant passes the Life in the UK test, he or she may be qualified to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK.
