“Immigration had a largely positive impact on the development of nations.” Discuss with reference to two countries in the Americas.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that immigration had a largely positive impact on the development of nations. Results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of positive and negative consequences of immigration, or they may prioritize their discussion of one. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to immigration’s positive impact on urbanization, industrialization and rural production; immigrants’ cultural and religious contributions; or argue that immigration contributed to political development, as introducing new ideas and/or enhancing political organization. Alternatively, candidates may refer to the strain on urban centres that immigration meant in the short-term; suggest that low-skilled immigrants may have contributed to economic growth but not necessarily development; or argue that initially immigrants were not politically active. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Very few candidates chose to assess immigration's impact on the development of nations.