Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
It does include, however, an estimated total of between 20 and 30 million
unauthorized, or irregular migrants who do not possess work permits
or residency permits, or who have illegally/clandestinely entered and
stayed in the country whose border they crossed (International
Organization of Migration (IOM), 2005; 2008).
Transnationalism
In contemporary times, both temporary and relatively permanent
international 'cross-border' movements can take on more diverse and
complex characters, with migrants undertaking what has come to be
labelled transnational migration (Vertovec, 2009)
.
Conceived as a trans-
formative spatial and mobile option for an increasing number of inter-
national migrants,
transnationalism constitutes the social, economic
and cultural experiences and practices of living 'between two or more
life-worlds'. Globalization's influences have also contributed, so that
over time and through their life-course transnational migrants under-
take repetitive mobilities; circulate regularly; pursue skill acquisition,
occupational advancement and wealth; and exchange information,
knowledge, remittances, goods in kind, technologies and innovations via
IT and other communication media, or personally on visits. In short,
many live highly mobile lives which are strategically flexible and cosmo-
politan in terms of their career and family goals.
Transnationalism's 'cross-border', multi-local spatial contexts span
origin home environments and destination locales. The latter can be
overseas diasporas of earlier waves of international migrants replen-
ished by new-immigrant waves. Or, they can be new immigrants from
non-traditional sending countries who soon form their own diasporic
communities and build their own transnational networks and interac-
tions. Of salience to many transnational migrants' security and social
safety net is their reliance on family connections and obligations
(Chamberlain, 2006). They benefit from belonging to multi-local, trans-
national networks of kith and kin, as well as retaining attachments to
more than one national territory: their 'homeland' and their 'home
away from home' (Conway 2007b). Regular return visiting, the mainte-
nance of cross-border ties via international communications, regular
donations of remittances to extended family members, maintenance of
cross-border ties with friends and business partners, are all common
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