POLITICAL DISTRUST AS A PREDICTOR OF ILLEGAL MIGRATION AMONG THE YOUTH IN THE ANAMBRA STATE OF NIGERIA

Illegal migration is a global phenomenon that substantially burdens the home and host country and exposes migrants to numerous dangers. The trend is perversive among young people. While researchers have identified multiple reasons for illegal youth migration, disbelieving in the political system has not received much literature attention. The present study examines illegal migration among the youth based on political distrust. Five hundred and twenty-eight youths (n=528) were conveniently selected from different locations in the Anambra States as the respondents. Data for the survey was collected using a self-report measure assessing political distrust and intention to migrate. Linear regression analysis was conducted on the data, and the result showed that political distrust statistically significantly predicted illegal migration among the youth in Anambra State. The study concludes that political distrust is a significant contributory factor in youths irregular emigration in Anambra State.