Journalist Ian Birrell from the prestigious newspaper "The Observer" draws readers' attention to Paul Collier's book "Exodus: Immigration and Multiculturalism in the 21st Century".

The migration of people from poor countries to rich countries is already a phenomenon politicised before it has been analysed. The former World Bank economist, who now advises presidents and prime ministers, thinks people are focusing on the impact of immigration rather than considering what the appropriate level of migration should be and who it really helps.

Looking for a better life
Immigrants send home huge remittances – almost four times global aid flows at $400 billion– that help those left at home. An example is that of Senegalese people in Spain who send home half their earnings, a higher share than any other migrant community. Cubans in America and Turks in Germany send home 2% of income. In addition to the financial aspect the book "Exodus: Immigration and Multiculturalism in the 21st Century" also highlights the superficiality of "brain drain" claims. Although some of the smartest people leave poor countries, overall educational standards can rise in countries of origin as parents invest in their children's schooling in the hope they might migrate one day. Many educated abroad return. One study found two-thirds of heads of governments in developing nations studied in foreign countries. Paul Collier gives the example of Haiti, a small nation that has seen 85% of its educated citizens leave. The author concludes that migration is good for those left behind as well as for the new host nation. The negative side is the rapid evolution of this phenomenon, as a chain reaction. As a diaspora grows, it becomes easier for others from the same community to bring their family members, to help friends with accommodation and finding work etc. In countries such as Canada and the US or cities such as London one-third of residents are now foreign-born.

Exodus, an added value
According to Ian Birrell, Collier's logic may lead him to forced conclusions at times - he previously considered military coups acceptable for removing oppressive regimes, or he wants to restrict immigrants' rights to bring their close relatives. Despite these inconsistencies, the journalist believes the book is a valuable addition by the theme it covers, all the more as it presents novelty data for the wide public.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/nov/17/exodus-immigration-multiculturalism-paul-collier-review