Population and Migration

Population

The world is facing many complex population and migration dynamics over the next 50 years. The current world population of 6.5 billion is estimated to be growing by 1.2% annually, reaching over nine billion by 2050, according to the United Nations. The planet will soon experience the largest generation of youth in human history. Yet in some parts of the world, population growth rates are declining, with some countries experiencing negative growth rates. Many societies are aging, and in some nations the increasing proportion of elderly in the population is placing pressure on existing public sector pension systems and social welfare programs. These dynamics pose challenges for governments. International migration may help to mitigate the effects of population aging in some countries, but cannot completely compensate for it.

The goal of U.S. policy in this field is to promote healthy and educated populations. The U.S. does not endorse population "stabilization" or "control." The "ideal" family size should be determined by the desires of couples, not governments. All decisions on the number, spacing, and timing of children should be made without coercion; the U.S. strongly opposes coercive population programs. The United States, with the support of the Congress, is the world's largest donor of maternal and reproductive health assistance, providing approximately $429 million in FY 2005.

PRM takes the lead for the Department of State on matters related to international population policy, working closely with the Bureau for International Organizations, USAID, and other USG agencies. The Bureau works to increase national and international awareness of population issues and integrate these issues into broader economic growth and development strategies. PRM also monitors demographic trends, and seeks to integrate them into the policy process. PRM represents the U.S. on the governing bodies of relevant international and multilateral organizations, such as the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and the UN Commission on Population and Development (CPD). PRM does not manage population program funds; this is done by USAID. Most U.S. population assistance is provided through the USAID Child Survival and Health Account. PRM does, however, support public diplomacy relating to population programming, in partnership with USAID.

Migration

There are more than 175 million migrants in the world today. People leave their countries for many reasons, including war and civil conflict, the desire for economic improvement, family reunification and environmental degradation.

The United States supports safe, orderly and legal migration. Our policy on international migration focuses on the human rights of migrants, protection for asylum-seekers, opposition to uncontrolled and illegal migration, support for anti-trafficking efforts, and encouragement of the rapid integration of legal immigrants.

The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) works closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, and relevant international organizations, the International Organization on Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to advance U.S. migration policy goals. One of the Bureau's key strategies for advancing effective and humane migration policies is to support and participate in regional migration dialogues, such as the Regional Conference on Migration. PRM also participates in efforts to prevent trafficking in persons especially the most vulnerable including women and children by increasing public awareness of the criminal and human rights abuses involved and providing assistance to victims, including through supporting the return and reintegration programs of trafficking victims to their countries of origin. The Bureau also works to ensure that the United States' domestic legislation and policies regarding migrants are consistent with our international obligations.