The greatest movement of people on earth is an annual ritual for China around the Lunar New Year. For the many “left behind” children under the care of grandparents, this may be the only chance in the year to see their parents who work in faraway cities. Such a movement demonstrates the limited freedom involved in being able to migrate to work but not to settle. And, although the government has announced a gradual relaxation of restrictions to its hukou system, the first to integrate new migrants will be small cities and towns. Becoming a permanent resident in a mega city remains as tough as ever. Read More
