Author:
Hadjicostandi Joanna,Khan Nazneen
Abstract
Illegal migration involves people moving away from a country of origin to another country, where they reside in violation of local citizenship laws. Entry to the receiving country occurs without authorization from the receiving government and often occurs at places other than the legal entry ports. The literature shows that illegal immigrants in most countries seek better livelihoods for themselves and their families, and share characteristics that are closely related to their position of insecurity, fear, and precarious existence. Examples from southern Europe, the USA, and Canada illustrate a few commonalities as well as differences between undocumented migrants. The feminization of migration, as well as child migration, is also discussed.