Friday, June 11, 2010

International Organization for Migration-IOM visit


Today our study group visited the IOM in Prague, Czech Republic. Among the many things that impressed me was the candor of the representitives of the IOM, there were no fancy brochures or talking points, just straight forward dialogue about what the IOM looks to accomplish in its Prague location. I was also suprised by one of the major issues with migration in the Czech Republic is the desire for many people to return or repatriate to their former homelands however with insuficient resources to return they essetially are stranded. In the US it is easy to think of migration as an issue where people come to the US for work and want to remain. This is just one area where the IOM can provide assistance.

I was also impressed by what has transpired in terms of freedom in the Czech Republic regarding migration. Twenty years ago there were fences that if you tried to cross you might be shot. Today there are no fences and almost no indication you have moved across a national border, not even a stamp in your passport.
To view IOM link:

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