UN predicts huge migration to rich countries

[Gromit]

At least 2.2 million migrants will arrive in the rich world every year from now until 2050, the United Nations said yesterday. Britain's population will rise from 60 million to approaching 69 million by 2050 - almost entirely because of immigration.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml =/news/2007/03/15/wimm15.xml

Can we manage 9 million more people?

[vehelpfulguy]

Television brings images of rich countries into poor countries, and we have of cheap air travel.

These two things means millions all over the world will want to leave their current poor country and move to a rich country.

While there has always been immigration, it has never been on such a scale, and I can see it being a big problem in years to come.

The problem is that the indiginous population of any country expect it to be at a certain standard, and to see millions of people from third world countries arriving and bringing their third world standards with them can be upsetting.

I live in a city which has a large immigrant population, and every area they settle in has been ruined. I cannot name one area that has been imporved by immigrants.

We have hundreds of thousands of people in our country who have no right to be here, pay no tax or other contribution, yet use our services.

I am afraid to say that many "western" countries may well have civil wars in years to come, between the indiginous population and the immigrants.

We saw signs in Paris last year where whole immigrant populations rioted.

I fear for Europe.

[matt66]

But hasnt the migration of poor people to richer places been happening ever since mankind flourished on this planet. Is there anything new in this except perhaps for the pace due to easier travel

[Haggisdj]

As usual I agree with v helpful guy... and I have doubts whether in infrastructure of these rich countries can sustain the standard of living we are used to, and have worked for, as well as support the vasst numbers of predicted immigrants.

And then there is the small matter of disease...

[chitchat]

Well said vguy. I think you could be right about civil wars etc. Already people are fed up with all the problems immigration brings. Its a sad fact of life that general immigration brings more problems than benefits. One day the people will revolt.

[Dolly1308]

The sleeping giant WILL arise one day ,let's hope it won't be too late .

[kwicky]

They will not only come from 3rd world countries. Global warming has meant many are deficient in drinking water and many will need to move to the Northern hemisphere. The scenes in Australia are frightening and drastic measures are being taken to alleviate their droughts.