An authoritative and myth-busting analysis that tells us why we're wrong about migration
Global migration is not at an all-time high. The climate emergency will not lead to mass migration. Border restrictions have actually produced more migration. These statements might sound like they completely contravene common intuition about migration - but the facts behind the headlines reveal a different story to the ones we're often told. In this ground-breaking book, based on over three decades of research, migration expert Professor Hein de Haas destroys the myths that politicians, interest groups and media regularly spread about immigration.
Comparing trends and perspectives from Western 'destination countries' (UK, US and Europe) as well as 'origin countries' in Asia and Africa, de Haas shows migration not as a problem to be solved, nor as a solution to a problem, but as it really is. How Migration Really Works will offer an essential new vision of migration based on facts rather than fears, and a paradigm-altering understanding of this perennially important subject.
About the Author
Hein de Haas is Professor of Sociology at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Professor of Migration and Development at the University of Maastricht. He formerly taught at the University of Oxford, where he co-founded and co-directed the International Migration Institute (IMI). One of the world's top migration scholars, he continues to direct IMI from its current home at UvA. He is lead author of The Age of Migration, a seminal textbook in the field of migration studies. He lives in Amsterdam.
Industry Reviews
A careful, balanced, and convincing take on one of the most divisive issues of our age. Backed by masses of data, Hein de Haas challenges much of what we think is obvious about migration, systematically busting myths and exposing propaganda from all across the political spectrum -- Ian Morris * author of Why The West Rules - For Now *
A book that will force Left and Right alike to reconsider old assumptions . . . [De Haas's] insights hold the key to effective migration policy . . . An important book, which should become a standard textbook for anyone seeking to have a real impact on migration -- Baroness Arminka Helic * The Telegraph *
A powerful debunking of myths about global migration, and an indictment of the political dishonesty that generates them . . . a clear and rigorous corrective that aims to give the general reader the tools for a more informed debate in future -- Daniel Trilling * Guardian *
Fact-filled, well-argued and authoritatively written . . . There is much to commend in this book, which effortlessly summarises decades of social science research on migration . . . De Haas has written a valuable book that, whatever one's views on immigration, will challenge many of the reader's idees recues and leave them better informed -- Yuan Yi Zhu * The Times *
Prepare to have your mind changed . . . de Haas shows that everything we think we know about migration is wrong. How Migration Really Works is a carefully evidenced critique . . . I am rereading this book (something crabbed reviewers never normally do) -- Simon Ings * New Scientist *
This new study of migration and its attendant myths should be falling out of briefcases all over Westminster -- Serena Cesareo * Tortoise Media *
