How do migrants' sustained transnational ties affect integration processes, and vice versa? This question has been addressed in various ways since the 1990s. Early studies framed the relationship primarily in terms of reactive transnationalism, arguing that migrants reorient towards their country of origin as a consequence of marginalization in the country of destination. More recent studies, by contrast, have also shown how successful labour market integration underpins transnational practices such as sending remittances, making return visits, and constructing houses in the country of origin.

Empirical evidence points overwhelmingly in the direction of simultaneity of integration processes with sustained transnational ties, where the patterns of interplay between integration and transnationalism are diverging, and there is need for further knowledge about the mechanisms which are at work. Meanwhile, in policy circles and public debate, there seems to be a persistent concern that transnational ties are obstacles to integration.

We invite papers that explore the interactions between integration and transnationalism based on empirical research. Papers could document patterns of variation or explore possible causal mechanisms, and they could be based on either qualitative or quantitative methods. What is essential for the panel, however, is to focus on interactions between the two phenomena, rather than on integration or transnationalism in isolation.

The panel is organized by the IMISCOE standing committee on Interaction of Migrant Integration and Transnationalism (IMITE), which is pre-allocated sessions at the annual conference. Acceptance by the panel organizers therefore guarantees participation at the conference. Abstracts of 100-200 words must be submitted via the online submission formby 6 December 2018. We will notify applicants about the outcome of the selection by 10 December 2018.

Panel Organizers: Jørgen Carling and Marta Bivand Erdal (Peace Research Institute Oslo, Norway); Godfried Engbersen and Erik Snel (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands); Özge Bilgili (Utrecht University)

Relevant references might include the following:

  • Bilgili, Ö. (2015). Economic Integration to Send Money Back Home?. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, 13(4), 379-400.
  • Carling, J., & Hoelscher, K. (2013). The capacity and desire to remit: comparing local and transnational influences. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 39(6), 939-958.
  • Carling, J., & Pettersen, S. V. (2014). Return migration intentions in the integration–transnationalism matrix. International Migration, 52(6), 13-30.
  • Erdal, M. B., & Oeppen, C. (2013). Migrant balancing acts: Understanding the interactions between integration and transnationalism. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 39(6), 867-884.
  • Oeppen, C. (2013). A stranger at 'home': interactions between transnational return visits and integration for Afghan‐American professionals. Global Networks, 13(2), 261-278.
  • Snel, E., Engbersen, G., & Leerkes, A. (2006). Transnational involvement and social integration. Global networks, 6(3), 285-308.