Does the “greener grass” on the other side of the bridge really fulfil your heart’s content?

Immigration, the act of entering and settling in a country that is not one’s native (PIE 1996). The revolutionary advances of transportation systems in the 20^th century have greatly increased the number of international permanent migrants worldwide by more than double between 1960 (~ 75 million) and 2005 (~ 190 million) (Bilsborrow et al. 1997, UN 2005). But what is the main cause of this immigration? Is it due to the belief that the “grass is greener on the other side?” Well, for those individuals who have tasted both the “grass” in their native land and in their current land (immigrated to), Sponty would like to find out whether the “grass” on the other side of the bridge is in fact greener than that from your native land and whether this “grass” fulfils your heart’s contentment. In other words, does your current home make you feel happier and more content compared to your old home?

Sponty’s hypothesis for this poll is that although most, or maybe in fact all immigrants, are more satisfied with their current living standards, their heart still remains in their native land. Why? The reasons are similar to Sponty’s reasons in the poll “Sacrifice Mom or Dad to save the World.” Your native land is your first connection with the world. Through it you’ve learned, you’ve evolved, you’ve become who you are. With this, you develop a personal connection towards your native land.

If you are an immigrant, and you have lived in your current home for over 1 year, kindly place your vote below as to where you heart really is, your native home or your current home. The results of this poll will be released as soon as at least 500 individuals have taken part in it. Sponty believes that 500 individuals will make a good sampling population to develop the conclusion. So yes, spread the word. Tell your immigrant friends to take part of this poll. The more, the better!!!!

References:

Bilsborrow, R.E., Hugo, G., Oberai, A.S. and Zlotnik, H. (1997) International Migration Statistics: Guidelines for improving data collection systems, International Labour Office, Geneva .

PIE (1996) Frequently Asked Questions, Available from: http://www.cimorelli.com/pie/faq/emigfaq1.htm, [Accessed 24 June 2008].

UN (2005) Trends in Total Migration Stock: The 2005 Revision, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations.

Source of image:

Unger, J.T. (2006) 3 Billy Goats Gruff Narrative Sculpture, Available from: http://www.johntunger.com/narrative_sculpture/, [Accessed 24 June 2008].