Much has changed—and is changing—in the world of migration and integration policy. Migration management has become more complex as flows have diversified in types and origins; overtaxed humanitarian protection systems globally are facing record challenges; societies have become more polarized, with immigration often used as a wedge issue; climate migration is an ever-growing area of concern for the future; and key immigrant-destination countries are increasingly competing for the types of immigrants they want. What do leading migration thinkers have to say about these and other developments? World of Migration offers fresh takes and thoughtful perspectives on some of the top migration issues, some of which figure rarely in the headlines. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or listen to episodes here. And please leave us a review. Engage with us at info@migrationpolicy.org.
Episodes
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Why has immigration become so politically divisive – and why is it so difficult for governments to design policies that satisfy both public concerns and economic needs?
In this episode, MPI’s Meghan Benton speaks with Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford and a member of the UK's Migration Advisory Committee. Drawing on insights from her new book, What Is Immigration Policy For?, she explains why immigration policy involves trade-offs between economic, humanitarian, and political goals—and why these tensions often lead to public dissatisfaction. The episode also examines challenges in regulating unauthorized migration and spontaneous asylum flows, the limits of deterrence policies, and decisions around low-wage labor migration.