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0VI. NAZARIYA, METODOLOGIYA VA PEDAGOGIKA FAMILY MIGRATION PROCESSES IN THE USA AND UZBEKISTAN
Kadirova Zulaykho Abduhalimovna
Tashkent state university of oriental studies Phd, associate professor of the Department of Foreign Economic Activity and Tourism Теl.: +998973443533, kzulayho@gmail.com
Gazieva Sulkhiya Saidmashrafovna
Tashkent state university of oriental studies Phd, senior lecturer of the Department of Foreign Economic Activity and Tourism Теl.: +998935683833, sulya @mail.ru
Abstract. Family migration in the United States plays an essential role in shaping the nation's demographic landscape and promoting family reunification. The U.S. immigration system offers various pathways for family-sponsored visas, primarily enabling U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to bring their immediate relatives and certain extended family members to the country.
This article analyzes the theoretical foundations of family migration, the family migration processes in the USA and Uzbekistan, while also offering insights into the main types of family migration. Both the positive and negative aspects of family migration are considered, along with necessary suggestions and recommendations.
Key words: family migration, types of family migration, international labor migration, USA, Uzbekistan, family reunification migration, family formation, migration with family, inter-country marriage.
Introduction. Family migration in Uzbekistan is a multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the socio-economic and cultural dynamics within the country and its relationship with the global community. This abstract explores the trends and patterns of family migration, focusing on the motivations behind individuals and families choosing to migrate. Key factors such as economic opportunities, education, and the search for safer living conditions significantly influence migration decisions. The paper analyzes the legal frameworks governing family reunification and the impact of government policies on migration flows. It also addresses the challenges faced by migrant families, including legal barriers, social integration, and remittances, which play a crucial role in supporting relatives remaining in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the study examines the relationships between migration, family structures, and the socio-cultural fabric of Uzbek society. As Uzbekistan continues to engage with international migration trends, understanding family migration is vital for formulating effective policies and fostering community resilience among migrants and their families.
International labor migration, which is one of the key factors in the economic development of both labor donor and recipient countries, plays an important role in optimizing the balance of labor resources and alleviating pressure on local labor markets. According to the International Organization for Migration, in 2022, 281 million people were living outside their home countries, 169 million of whom were labor migrants1.
According to a report by the International Organization for Migration, in 2022, 40% of the migrants who arrived in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries did so for family reasons, amounting to 2.2 million migrants2.
Overall, tracking migration processes is a rather complex task. Globally, there are 281 million migrants, of whom 60% are labor migrants, 10% are children, 12.5% are refugees, 12.8% are student migrants, and others fall into different categories. It is important to note that distinguishing family migrants within this group is quite challenging. This is because among labor migrants, student migrants, and those who migrate for other reasons, there are many who move with their families.
To determine the proportion of family migrants within the total number of migrants, the number of international family visas issued is a key indicator. Through this metric, it is possible to estimate how many people worldwide have engaged in family migration. Before analyzing family visas, we found it necessary to examine the top 5 diasporas globally. The presence of large diasporas often indicates that family migrants are moving to recipient countries to join relatives or acquaintances from donor countries..
When studying family migration, it is important to acknowledge not only its positive aspects but also its negative ones. The most significant positive aspect of family migration is the reunification of families, while the negative aspect is that a large portion of families who engage in family migration often do not return to their home countries.
Literature review. Since the late 1980s, theoretical and methodological research on family migration has become a significant subject of academic study. American scholar M. Boyd3 highlighted the increasing prevalence of family migrations (Boyd, 1989), while Hania Zlotnik4 emphasized the growing role of women in family migration (Zlotnik, 1995). Researchers Stark and Bloom5 analyzed family and household labor migration as a new economic model (Stark & Bloom, 1985).
Researcher Schiller6 highlighted the importance of friends and relatives in facilitating family migration (Schiller et al., 1995). In the early 2000s, researchers
1 Worl md Migration Report 2022. International Organization for Migration (IOM), Geneva, page 2
2 IOM GMDAC 2023, migrationdataportal.org
3 Boyd, M. (1989). Family and personal networks in international migration: Recent developments and new agendas. International Migration Review, 23(3), 638-670.
4 Zlotnik, H. (1995). Migration and the family: The female perspective. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 4(2-3), 253-271.
5 Stark, O., & Bloom, D. (1985). The new economics of labor migration. American Economic Review, 75, 173-178.
6 Schiller, N. G., Basch, L., & Blanc, C. S. (1995). From immigrant to transmigrant: Theorizing transnational migration.
Anthropological Quarterly, 48-63.
Bryceson and Vuorela7 analyzed family migration from the perspectives of both recipient and donor countries (Bryceson & Vuorela, 2002).
Results and discussions. Family migration in America has played a significant role in shaping the country's demographic landscape and cultural diversity. If we talk about early Immigration: Family migration has been a key component of American immigration since the colonial period. Many early settlers came to America with family members, seeking opportunities and religious freedom. 20th Century Waves: Significant waves of migration occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many immigrants coming from Europe and, later, from Asia and Latin America. Family reunification was a central theme; many immigrants would sponsor relatives to join them in the U.S.
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 marked a significant change in U.S. immigration policy, abolishing the quota system based on national origin and emphasizing family reunification. Under this law, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) could sponsor relatives for immigration.
Immediate Relatives: Spouses, children (under 21), and parents of U.S. citizens are prioritized and not subject to annual caps.
Family Preference Categories: Other relatives, such as adult children and siblings, have specific quotas and wait times for visas.
Table 1
Contemporary Trends of family migration in the USA8
№ Names Description
1 Demographics Family migration remains a primary avenue for immigration to the U.S. Family-sponsored immigrants come from diverse backgrounds, reflecting broader global migration patterns.
2 Challenges The family reunification process can be lengthy and complex, with significant waiting times, especially for those in preference categories. Changes in policies and enforcement can also impact family migrants.
3 Public Debate Family migration has been at the center of immigration policy debates, with differing opinions on its benefits and challenges. Advocates argue for its role in enhancing family unity and cultural diversity, while opponents raise concerns about potential abuse of the system.
In a globalized world, t he issue of labor migration and its changing trends has
become a focal point for researchers, including economists, demographers, and sociologists, as well as representatives of state institutions and non-governmental organizations. While the scientific achievements of both local and foreign specialists are dedicated to studying the socio-economic issues related to employment, many
7 Bryceson, D., & Vuorela, U. (Eds.). (2002). The transnational family: New European frontiers and global networks. Berg.
8 Prepared by the author based on the data
scientific publications do not adequately address the opportunities created by the information society.
According to the theoretical approaches known to us, labor migration is defined as the movement of labor resources aimed at finding employment under more favorable conditions relative to the migrant's country of origin or permanent residence. This process is determined by the ratio of supply and demand in the labor market and can be classified by region, duration, legal status, and purpose.
Naturally, as the processes of labor migration evolve, new types of migration emerge, creating a need to update and refine classifications accordingly. One such type is family migration.
Table 2
The impact of family migration on Society9
№ Names Description
1 Cultural Enrichment Family migration contributes to the rich tapestry of American culture, bringing in traditions, languages, and customs from around the world.
2 Economic Contributions Family immigrants often integrate into the workforce, contributing to economic growth and innovation.
3 Social Networks Family connections facilitate the integration process for new immigrants, providing them with support systems and access to resources.
Family migration, or "family migration," refers to the movement of individuals relocating to another country or region with their family members. This type of migration was first studied by researcher Mincer in 1978, who emphasized that migration should not only refer to individuals but also include family migration.
In foreign literature, various synonymous terms are used for family migration, such as "family reunification," "family-based immigration," "family immigration," "family sponsorship," "kinship migration," and "relational migration." All of these terms describe the concept of family migration.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), four main types of family migration have been analyzed:
1. Family Reunification Migration
2. Family Formation
3. Migration with Family
4. International Adoption
According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2022, out of a total of 2.2 million people who migrated with their families, 1.58 million were categorized under the first and second types of migration. Additionally, 593,043
9 Prepared by the author based on the data
people migrated with the accompaniment of their families.10. There are several factors that motivate family migration.
Family migration is an important aspect of global migration trends and reflects the interplay between economic, social and political factors that influence people's decision to migrate.
CONCLUSION. Family migration in Uzbekistan has been influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, political stability, and social networks. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of families migrating abroad, particularly to countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, and other parts of Central Asia.
Families of migrants often rely on remittances as a primary source of income. In 2021, remittances constituted approximately 13% of Uzbekistan's GDP, highlighting the significant economic impact of migration.
According to various reports, it is estimated that over 2 million Uzbeks live abroad, with a substantial portion being family units or individuals who migrated to support their families financially.
Family migration often sees men migrating first for work, followed by their families who join them later, showcasing the importance of economic stability in family reunification efforts. Migrant families encounter various challenges, including legal barriers, cultural adjustment, and difficulties in securing proper documentation for family reunification.
The Uzbek government has been working on policies to better support migrant families, including initiatives to simplify the reunion process and enhance the rights of migrants abroad.
Family migration continues to be a vital part of the immigration narrative in the United States. As immigration policies evolve, the dynamics of family migration will likely remain a critical issue affecting millions of individuals and families.
Family migration has many positive aspects, such as improving the economic opportunities for families, providing better work and living conditions, educational opportunities in developed countries, and contributing to the development of younger generations. It is also important to highlight the benefits such as increased access to better medical care, opportunities to learn new languages, acquire new skills and experiences, and ensure social stability. However, we must also consider the negative aspects.
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10 IOM GMDAC 2023, migrationdataportal.org
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