Research summary
According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration, there were more than 281 million international migrants in 2020. While some people relocate in search of work or economic opportunities, others flee their countries to escape war, terrorism, persecution, human rights violations, natural disasters or the adverse effects of climate change. The number of migrants is expected to grow.
As Canada Research Chair in International Migration, Dr. Thomas Soehl is looking at the contexts of both emigration (the society of origin) and immigration. He and his research team are exploring migration that is prompted by violence and examining how different departure conditions and migration journeys can have lasting effects. They are also conducting a comprehensive study of the politics of belonging for emigrant populations by collecting not only the perspectives of diaspora members, but the views of those who stayed behind.