I live in a small community south of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The complexion of our community has changed drastically over the last decade due to immigration (just like it changed drastically 80 years ago due to another wave of immigration). The change within our community raises the relevance (for me) of the Economist's overview of global immigration trends. The educational opportunities (and challenges) are significant. Often migrants are those with skill sets most in need, and are therefore most likely to be accepted, by host countries. Challenges, however, exist when emerging countries export their brightest. It will be interesting, over the coming decades, to see how immigration patterns change as greater access to higher education is provided through the internet.
Posted by gsiemens at January 7, 2008 1:27 PM | TrackBackWe are going through the same thing here these days. As the mining industry heats up and my community get ready for its coming boom, they are looking to places like South Africa and the UK to recruit skilled tradespeople (mechanics, electricians, etc.) quite a shock in some ways for a small town in the middle of nowhere.
Posted by: Clarence Fisher at January 8, 2008 7:18 AM