Oxford University Press’s International Migration: a Very Short Introduction is the place to begin. The author, Khalid Koser, does an excellent job of tackling the big issues:
- Why migration matters
- Who is a migrant
- Migration and globalization
- Migration and development
- Irregular migration
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Migrants in society
- The future of international migration
He concludes we must pay attention to these trends: Asian migration. Internal migration. Increased migration. Temporary migration. Highly skilled migrants. Respecting migrants.
The book provides the sort of rational analysis, the nuances and the calmness needed to craft better policies and to lower the emotional level of current debate.
Lastly, Koser’s work is brand new and hot off the presses.