European Immigration Issues, International Relations Perspective

Europe had been a region of population output in history. To some extent, the migration from Europe shaped the basic structure of the world. However, the direction of population flow totally reversed after World WarⅡ. When the war is over, there is a great demand for labor force in European market. Therefore most countries welcome the coming the immigrants. However, in the 1970s of 20th Century, when the development of economy slow down and demand of labor decrease dramatically, the immigrants come into Europe according to the policy of family union and asylum. In late 1980s and early 1990s, a large number of refugees flow into Europe. In the following decade, a large number of legal and illegal immigrants come into Europe in pursuit of better economic condition.The influx of all types of immigration exerts comprehensive and profound effect, both positive and negative, on European societies. This essay attempts to analyze this issue in the bigger picture of globalization. Emphasis will be put on the influence on construction of Europe political order and international relations. We could say that the social security and economic concern brought by immigration delays the process of Europe integration and make the construction of European Identity more complicated.