China

Since the establishment of New China in 1949, the interplay of historical and political factors have made it an unpopular destination for immigration. Entry was limited to immigrants from a few nations. After the adoption of the open-door policy and the launching of economic reforms in 1978, the situation is changing rapidly and more foreigners, noticeably from Western countries, are entering and eventually settling in China. This change has positive implications while also presenting problems. In response, since the mid-1980s, the government of China has begun formulating new rules, regulations, and legislation to cope with new demands and emerging problems as more people are entering both legally and illegally. The chapter concludes that China possesses attributes to make it a new pole for immigration in the foreseeable future, yet limitations and problems must also be addressed.