WASHINGTON: Nearly three million people a year migrate from developing countries to industrialised nations, a population research group said.

Almost half the number — 1.4 million — move to Europe, which is nevertheless facing unprecedented population losses from low birth rates. The U.S. attracts a million immigrants a year, more than any other country. Other destinations include Canada, Australia and the UAE, which has a better economy than much of West Asia.

The biggest sources of immigrants are China, India and Mexico, according to the report by the Population Reference Bureau, a Washington research group. "It's always the hope of a better life," said Carl Haub, a demographer at the bureau.

For some, it is the chance to escape poverty, whether they plan to raise families in the new countries or send money home. For others, it is an opportunity to flee political or civil unrest.

"The average Indian family earns the equivalent of $2,200 a year," Mr. Haub said. "If they migrate to Europe and have no skills, they can be a cab driver. If they have computer skills, they can earn $50,000 a year, an amount unimaginable back home." The Population Reference Bureau compiles its annual World Population Data Sheet using information from local governments, the United Nations and aid organisations.

Europe and the U.S. have very different immigration histories. The U.S. is a nation of immigrants, yet Washington is embroiled in a debate about what to do about an estimated 11-12 million illegal immigrants, most of whom are from Mexico and other Latin American countries. The Senate, backed by President George Bush, has passed a bill that would provide a path to citizenship for many.

Europe and industrialised countries in Asia have been less receptive to large waves of immigrants, adding to their population woes. By 2050, the U.N. projects that Europe, home to about 730 million people, will shrink by 75 million. The U.N. expects Japan, with 128 million people, to lose 16 million and South Korea, with about 48 million people, to lose more than 3 million. The U.S. is projected to grow from nearly 300 million people to about 420 million.

Many researchers believe that aging, shrinking populations in Europe and Asia will lead to economic crises because there will not be enough workers and consumers to fuel economic growth and support retirees. — AP

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