The core underlying factors that explain movement are inequalities in the global distribution of wealth and resources. Put simply, people move to seek a better life for themselves and for their families. This movement may be impelled by sudden shocks such as inter-or intra-state conflict or it may be driven by slower onset effects of inequalities in income. International migration can be best understood as an adaptation strategy in the face of threats to sustainable livelihoods at a household level. While much of the debate in the major destination countries may focus on immigration as a threat or problem, it is vitally important to bear in mind that the movement itself is best understood as an adaptation strategy strategy. By doing so, we can see a basic, core relationship between the global political economy of unequal development and thus understand how and why international migration has become a structural characteristic of domestic/international political economy and of international relations.