Sending Country

The sending country is the country whose citizens leave to migrate to other countries generally to find employment. The migration may be temporary or permanent. Generally, studies of immigration focus on the country receiving the migrants, but there are also affects on the sending country. Most experts have concluded the effects are positive for the sending country because unemployment generally decreases and the workers who leave may send funds back to their home country, which can increase the standard of living for the family members who remain.

Critics argue, however, the workers who leave are generally young and male and may leave their families behind, which can have negative consequences for the family unit. Countries who have decided immigration lowers economic development have tried to restrict their immigration policies. Currently the top sending countries include Mexico, the Russian Federation, China and India. The United States remains the top country receiving individuals from other sending countries.