Immigration newsletter 10 May 2006

The European Commission has declared 2006 to be the European Year for Workers' Mobility. The EU's stated position is that the freedom of movement between EU countries is a workers fundamental right.

Currently a seven-year transitional period is in progress. During this time free movement of individuals from eight of the new EU nations may have greater restrictions than the mobility enjoyed by workers from original EU-15 countries. The transition was planned in three phases, the second of which began on the first of May this year. 

By declaring 2006 as the European Year for Workers' Mobility, the executive commission for the EU is hoping to encourage expedited easing of host country restrictions. Originally, Ireland, the UK, and Sweden were the only EU Countries with no restrictions. As May first, Finland, Portugal, Greece, and Spain have lifted all restrictions. Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg have now eased their restrictions and entrance requirements. Austria, Denmark and Germany specifically stated they will adhere to the old standards for the current time. The Netherlands originally stated an intention to lift or ease their restrictions this year. However, they will now maintain their current regulations until early 2007 when such will be re-evaluated by the Dutch parliament.

An acute nursing shortage in Western nations continues to worsen as their populations age. Foreign-educated nurses emigrating to meet this demand are commanding premium salaries and priority visa considerations. 

It is estimated there are 2.2 to 3 million working nurses averaging 47 years old in the U.S. The annual vacancy rate is approximately 9 percent and projections anticipate a shortage of 800,000 nurses by 2050. Other estimates by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are more dramatic, perhaps reaching 1 million vacancies to be filled by as early as 2012. 

2001 saw an increase up to 40,000 nurses immigrating from overseas to the U.S. alone. Indications are that this will be a sustained influx for several decades. There is debate in the U.S. and Europe about whether or not to lower restrictions and caps on qualified immigrants to fill these vacancies. 

Incentives to work in the West are high. Typical salary expectations may be $50,000 USD, up to $100,000 USD depending on location and experience. 

Due to English proficiency exams and other competency tests in the U.S., many immigrant nurses find entry into countries such as England and Canada easier.

Debate continues in the United States regarding many immigration issues. 

It appears that the U.S. elections this year may be very interesting, and immigration has become one high-profile topic in American politics and news. 

On the first of May, several million people across the U.S. marched in large rally's to highlight issues especially focused on workers rights and immigration policy. Due to the large Hispanic population from Central America, the rally became something of a referendum on Mexican-American culture and immigration in the U.S. 

40,000,000 ethnic Latino's live in the U.S. currently. About 13 million people reside illegally in the U.S., 11 million of whom are from Central America.

During the end of April, the U.S. dollar has lost significantly against other major world currencies. This slide has continued and financial experts are speculating that this may be a long-term correction against the state of the U.S. economy. Wages and transactions in Euro's, Yen and Pounds Sterling are considered to be more stable for the immediately foreseeable future. 

Related, gold has claimed it's highest value in over 25 years, now trading for over $700 an ounce.