Considered as a modern phenomenon, immigration exists because of the need of countries with a highly capitalist economy to have more labour power for various jobs. The rate of immigration continuously increases in different countries, because they seek individuals with special knowledge who can help them improve their products or services.
Some countries in Europe receive large-scale immigration each year, including the United Kingdom, which recorded 375,000 immigrants registered for work purposes in 2007. This record of immigration follows the entry of Poland into the EU in May 2004. The majority of the immigrants came from Africa and Asia, and there were other workers from India, Somalia, and Pakistan.
In 2000, over three million immigrants accounted for almost 10 percent of Spain’s population. Being one of the most favoured destination countries is the reason for this high rate of immigration, which is also the case in Portugal, Brazil, and other tropical countries.
Canada is the country with the highest immigration rate per capita, which is due to the family reunification and economic policy. Over 250,640 people came to Canada in 2001 and settled in its urban areas of Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. The immigration rate continues to grow each year, including a majority of citizens from Asia. Like Canada, Australia also experiences a high immigration rate involving skilled migration and programmes for family reunion.
In the history of immigration, the USA recorded its highest rate from 1850 to 1930, when immigrants increased from 2.2 million to 14.2 million, accounting for 14.7% of the country’s population at the time. Immigration has a powerful impact on many countries. It may also serve to improve the economy through the development of its technology.