How has migration shaped the UK and what debates surround it?
The meaning of migration, immigration and emigration, why people migrate, how migration has shaped the UK population, the difference between migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and the debates over the impact of migration.
A focused answer for OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies on migration and a changing population: what migration, immigration and emigration mean, why people migrate, how migration has shaped the UK, the difference between migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and the debates over its impact.
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What this dot point is asking
OCR wants you to explain what migration, immigration and emigration mean, why people migrate, how migration has shaped the UK population, the difference between migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and the debates over migration's impact. This Section 3 topic builds on identity and diversity and is examined through knowledge questions on the key terms and through "Explain" and "Evaluate" questions on why people migrate and its effects.
Migration, immigration and emigration
Getting these directions right is a common knowledge question: immigration is in, emigration is out. The UK experiences both: people move to the UK, and UK citizens move abroad.
Why people migrate
Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and the debate over impact
Migration has shaped the UK over centuries, creating its diverse, multicultural society. Its impact is debated: supporters point to migrants filling jobs and skills shortages, paying taxes, staffing services such as the NHS, and enriching culture; critics raise concerns about pressure on services, housing and jobs. OCR rewards presenting both sides fairly, using accurate terms, and reaching a balanced judgement.
Try this
Q1. What is the difference between immigration and emigration? [Knowledge recall]
- Cue. Immigration is moving into a country to live; emigration is moving out of a country to live elsewhere.
Q2. Explain the difference between an asylum seeker and a refugee. [Short explanation]
- Cue. An asylum seeker has applied for protection and is awaiting a decision; a refugee has been forced to flee danger and has been granted protection to stay.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of OCR exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
OCR J270 20192 marksState the difference between immigration and emigration.Show worked answer →
A short knowledge question (2 marks, 1 mark each). Reward both terms defined correctly.
Immigration is when people move into a country to live (1 mark); emigration is when people leave a country to live somewhere else (second mark).
Top marks. Both directions defined and contrasted. A common error is to define both as "moving to a country"; emigration is moving out.
OCR J270 20228 marksExplain the different reasons why people migrate to a new country.Show worked answer →
An extended "Explain" question (8 marks, AO1 and AO2). Reward developed reasons, often grouped as push and pull factors.
Reason one (work and economy). Many migrate to find work, higher wages or better opportunities (a pull factor), or because there are few jobs at home (a push factor).
Reason two (safety and asylum). Some flee war, persecution or disaster and seek safety, claiming asylum as refugees; this is being forced to move rather than choosing to.
Reason three (family, study and a better life). People move to join family, to study, or for a better quality of life, such as healthcare or freedom.
Top band. Several developed reasons, ideally using push and pull factors and distinguishing those who choose to move from those forced to flee, with a judgement on the main drivers.
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Sources & how we know this
- OCR GCSE (9-1) Citizenship Studies J270 specification — OCR (2016)
- Claim asylum in the UK — UK Government (GOV.UK) (2023)