Myth and Realities of International Migration into Latin America

Abstract

Immigration into Latin America in the near future is not likely to exceed 300,000 annually; most of the migrants will go to Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. Immigration, therefore, cannot decisively affect the rapid growth of population in most countries; natural increase is the more significant focus. Apart from the quantitative problem, however, immigration should aid those countries most involved in industrial and agricultural change by supplying com paratively small but vital groups of skilled workers and farmers. As for out- migration, only Puerto Rico can count on annual emigration large enough to play a part, with other processes, in relieving population pressure.