Squatting (pastoral)

Under Squatter (English, squatter = squatters, spr. Skuotter, squat of to, crouch ) are understood in English usage, people who settle without legal title to undeveloped land ( land occupation ). More recently, squatters are known as Squatter or refer to themselves as such. In some countries, there are other interpretations of " squatters ", such as in Australia, South Africa and in developing countries. The earliest known movement of this kind are the Diggers.

Squatter in the U.S.

In the United States of America is a squatter settlers who settles on undeveloped and unused government land without legal title. From the 17th century, this individual acquisition of land especially the western areas promoted the rapid colonization. The branches, which were founded by the pioneers who prepared the subsequent scheduled colonization. Therefore, it was in the public interest to protect the acquis of the squatters law. The regulations in the individual states were different. In Massachusetts, for example, was already in 1808 a law that the right of property in land could be acquired through forty years of use. 1839 helped Texas, which at that time did not yet belong to the Union, the settlers offered security through a homestead law that provides protection from garnishment. These examples were later followed by almost all states.

Support the squatters were told at that time, for example, by Horace Greeley, editor of the reputable New York Tribune. From him comes the call: " Go West, young man ", the distribution of land to destitute farmers was also the main concern of the Party of Free Soil men, the Free Soil Party, which later became the Republican Party.

At EU level, there were also considerations to find squatters easy access to the property. 1862 entered the homestead law ( Homestead Act ) for the entire United States in force. By payment of the symbolic price of $ 1.25 per acre each over 21 years old citizens could acquire a legal title to the land farmed by him, the area on 160 acres ( 0.6 km ² ) = $ 200 was limited and no public use interest could prevent this. Was the settlers a payment is not possible, the property was transferred free after five years of use.

This generous arrangement has been canceled after the end of colonization policy.

Squatter in Australia

In Australia, squatters called the ranchers, the lease large tracts of land from the government.

Squatters in developing countries

In South Africa we mean by Squatter Camps simple slums, which are predominantly inhabited by the black population. Squatter is a person who lives in a squatter camp. Squatter camps in developing countries are often built illegally or without secure legal title. The consequences are usually neglect by the state, lack of infrastructure, hygiene and health problems and fire. Squatter settlements are often on unsuitable terrain where they are threatened by landslides and flooding.