immigration

Introduction

immigration, entrance of a person (an alien) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important. High rates of immigration are frequently accompanied by militant, and sometimes violent, calls for immigration restriction or deportation by nationalist groups. See also naturalization.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Immigration in Other Countries
Immigration in the United States
Bibliography

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Sociology: General Terms and Concepts