Migration to a destination region can have a variety of positive and negative effects, depending on the type of migration and the current circumstances of the destination region.

Positive effects may include the addition of new residents with diverse skills and perspectives to the region, the stimulation of economic growth and job opportunities due to increased demand for goods and services, the stimulation of competition in the local labor market and the availability of a larger population base from which to draw from when recruiting workers. Migration can also increase the destination region’s cultural diversity, enrich its educational offerings, and potentially even create new markets for local businesses.

Negative effects may include a situation in which resources become increasingly depleted, congested, or strained in the destination region as a result of a sudden influx of people. This can lead to overcrowding, pollution, and an increased cost of living. Migration may also cause shortages of housing and public services, such as transportation and health care, and the influx of new residents may put a strain on existing infrastructure and resources, including educational, healthcare, and public safety systems. In addition, migration can lead to a decrease in wages, as businesses may use the influx of people to pay low wages, and a decrease in the quality of life for pre-existing residents through the competition for jobs and resources.