Knocking on Heavan's door in Africa? Parallels between Botswana and the U.S. migrant experience

The United States and Botswana may have nothing in common historically or culturally; however, there is an interesting parallel in their experience of immigration patterns: both countries kept their borders wide open, as they beneffited from the skilled migrants entering the country. Yet, increasingly surrounded by poorer countries, the uncontrollable influx of unskilled migrants tests their tolerance:

Botswana has traditionally used wide incentives to build an open immigration approach to develop the country as it was plagued with a severely underdeveloped infrastructure, a want of start-up capital and --key in this aspect--a largely unskilled workforce. By keeping its doors open to foreign skilled workers, it has managed to diversify the economy, attract foreign direct investment and achieve applaudable economic growth. Yet this wealth also fosteres an educated and skilled fdomestic workforce, decreasing the country's dependance on skilled immigrants.

Simulatenously, an uncontrollable influx of illegal, unskilled workers from Zimbabwe, escaping the dire economical, social and political situation there, have flooded Botswana and severely put the traditional welcoming culture and political openness to test. Among rising Zenophobia, and increasing government restrictions on immigration-- will the country be able to preserve its traditional oppeness that has droven its economic growth?

For more info see
Botswana's Changing Migration Patterns