The counterfactual model of migration

The counterfactual model of migration suggests that we understand why people migrate by comparing their current situation to what would have happened if they had stayed in their original location. This approach asks, "Would they have had better opportunities or quality of life if they had not moved?" By imagining this alternative scenario (the counterfactual), researchers can better assess what drives migration—whether it's economic prospects, safety, or other factors. Essentially, it helps us analyze the true impact and motivation of migration by considering what would have otherwise occurred without the move.