Final answer:
The term 'emigration' refers to the act of leaving one's country to settle in another, which in the context of the excerpt indicates refugees' inability to find a safe haven due to countries closing their doors against them. It reflects a broader debate on open borders and the complex political and socio-economic issues surrounding immigration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term emigration within the context of the excerpt from "saving the children" suggests the act of leaving one's own country with the intent to settle permanently in another. In this specific context, it indicates the dire situation of refugees seeking to escape war, persecution, or natural disasters but finding themselves unable to do so because countries around the world had effectively closed their doors to them. This action represents a state of desperation where individuals are forced to leave their homeland but encounter barriers to entering potential host countries, thus being denied the possibility of finding safety or a better life elsewhere.
The phrase 'emigration wasn't an option' reflects a global atmosphere of strict immigration controls and the reluctance of countries to accept refugees, which is corroborated by the ongoing discussion of whether to embrace an open borders policy that would allow free movement without strict limitations. Mention of the figure of 50 million displaced persons, including many children, illustrates the vast scale of the refugee crisis and the complexities involved in managing emigration and immigration, particularly in a world with various political and socio-economic considerations.