Why Do Some People Migrate from Developing Countries to Developed Ones?

The phenomenon of migration from developing countries to developed ones is as ancient as human history itself. Long before the authors of the Bible, Torah, and Koran wrote their texts, people moved in search of safety, prosperity, and the chance to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Historically, many migrations have been driven by the need to escape famine, natural disasters, and war. These forces often go hand in hand, leaving countless individuals and families without a stable environment to raise families and continue their line unhindered. The promise of protection and a more stable way of life under the governance of a more powerful civilization has long been a driving force behind these movements.

Motivations for Migration

One of the key reasons people migrate to developed countries is the promise of a better life, often fueled by the availability of greater wealth and opportunities. Consider Jose, who moved to the United States and returned with new clothes and a pocket full of money. This vivid example illustrates how wealthier countries often offer more opportunities for economic advancement, regardless of the limited resources in the home country.

Economic and Opportunities

Those who decide to migrate are often positioning themselves for a better deal. They are leaving behind the familiar to seek out new opportunities and a better future. This journey is a form of self-motivated development and adaptation. Conversely, those who stay behind may choose to do so because they are either deeply patriotic, seeing their homeland as a uniquely cherished place, or they lack the means to make the move.

Interestingly, there is another group of individuals who thrive in chaotic and unstable environments. They are drawn to areas where change is rampant and often unpredictable. Their motivations are different and less aligned with stability and security.

I myself have chosen to leave the United States and move to Spain for a variety of reasons. While it's true that the United States is not a developing country, it has faced issues that have de-evolved its social fabric. Why leave rather than stay to help make it right? I have already been at the forefront of important social and environmental causes, such as gay rights, women's equality, abortion rights, and equal rights for people of color (POC). I have marched, signed petitions, carried petitions, voted, and campaigned for these rights. However, I don’t have the energy or desire to fight these battles all over again, nor do I want to sit idly by while the progress I worked so hard to achieve is eroded.

My primary motivation for leaving is to spend my “golden years” in a happy and content state, rather than with anger and a constant fight. This decision to migrate is not driven by desperation, but by a desire for a peaceful and fulfilling later life in Spain where such progress is already well established.

Global Trends and Migration Patterns

Unsurprisingly, the people who migrate to developed countries are seeking the same advantages that those in the first world enjoy. This can be seen as a courageous and enterprising decision for citizens of wealthier nations, while it might be perceived as presumptuous by others.

Whether driven by the need for job opportunities, a better life, or a desire to escape instability, migration is a complex and multifaceted issue. It reflects the ongoing quest for personal and social development, as well as the pursuit of a stable and prosperous future.

To sum up, migration from developing to developed countries is a reflection of historical patterns and the continuous pursuit of safety, prosperity, and progress. It is a decision fueled by the desire to thrive and build a better life for oneself and one's family, despite the challenges and hardships.