The current paper is devoted to analyzing the impact of internal migration on Alabama. The state of Alabama, which was recently on the periphery of the American immigration wave, has recently experienced a significant flow of immigrants from all parts of the world. This increase is not substantial, but it severely impacts the state’s development (Alabama Population, n. d.). The growing influx of migrants is also changing the demographic situation in Alabama. For decades, the state has been characterized by a constant exodus of youth and a relatively low rate of natural increase, especially in rural areas. Therefore, the state experiences internal migration caused by age, employment, and environmental conditions.
Considering the recent changes in population over the last years, the equal natural and migration increase can be highlighted. The population has increased by more than one percent during the last five years (Alabama Population, n. d.). The most vital factors which contribute to the internal migration in Alabama are the relative cheapness of land, the lack of a developed public transport system, and the simultaneous relative availability of a private car. Most immigrants’ percentages imply the international population (Alabama Population, n. d.). However, Americans also come from other states seeking more comfortable life conditions or educational and career opportunities.
Alabama is a state involved in the Latinization of America. It is associated with a large flow of immigrants from Latin America (mainly from Mexico), ousting traditional ethnic groups – the African-American population – as part of competition from the labor market (Atkins et al., 2018). As a result, some of the people lose the opportunity to find decent work here. This can be considered as a “push” factor for people to leave Alabama (Griener, 2017). They move to other states seeking career development and opportunities. This can be associated with the employment reason of internal migration (Griener, 2017). The outflow of the local population from low-paid local jobs and his choice of high wages and the full benefits package offered by the industrial giants is increasing the number of Latin American workers for whom vacancies are opening up. The scientists outline no significant economic and environmental changes related to population changes (Atkins et al., 2018). The main directions of the development of the economy of modern Alabama are mechanical engineering and high technologies. Using these directions, authorities manage to sustain the environment and economy despite the population increase.
The “pull” factor which should be singled out is private entrepreneurship in Alabama. It is the most mobile and sensitive to the US capitalist market, although it is associated with certain risks. Another factor is the medicine and scientific field, which substantially developed in Alabama. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state’s largest employer and the provider of high-quality education. At the same time, many students annually come here to study from other states.
I was born in Alabama and have never considered leaving it. From my perspective, the state provides comfortable living conditions and educational opportunities. The state’s industrialization policy is attractive from a business and entrepreneurial point of view. Medicine and science are rapidly developing in this state, which is also a significant advantage of Alabama. Moreover, I admire the cultural peculiarities and ethnic diversity of this state. In general, I see no objective reasons to leave the state because it offers many educational, carer, and personal development opportunities.
References
Alabama Population. (n.d.). Web.
Atkins, L., Flynt, W., Rogers, W., & Ward, D. (2017). Alabama: The history of a deep south state. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Greiner, A. (2017). Visualizing human geography: At home in a diverse world, 3rd edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons.