Summary Six

“Transnationalism, Old and New, New York Immigrants” by Nancy Foner

Transnational is defined as not confined to a single nation or state, but including, extending over, or operating within more than one. It is not a new “phenomenon”, but rather it has been occurring for years. As time progressed and technology became more advanced, transnationalism also progressed. In the article “Transnationalism, Old and New, New York Immigrants” by Nancy Foner she explains how people remained connected to their countries of origin then and now.

                “In studies of this earlier era, the focus is on Eastern European Jews and Italians; they were the vast bulk of the new arrivals at the time and defined what was then thought of as the ‘new immigration’” [Foner,364]  During the 1880’s to 1900’s over one million immigrants came to New York City and most were on Eastern European Jews and Italians. In his age, there is a variety of ethnic groups migrating to New York, it is not possible to name o predominate groups that are migrating. By 2006, New York was inhabited by over three million immigrants, who represent 37 percent of the population of the city.  

                During the 1880’s to 1900’s many immigrants were men who came to work and sent money home to their families. Immigrants that sought to return home saved up money to buy house or land.  Another trend amongst immigrants in the time period was sending home money and instructions to their family so they’d know what land to purchase. Many Jews returned home because there was a lack of Jewish women in America and they wanted a bride. “Many were ‘birds of passage’ who went back to their villages seasonally.” [Foner, 366] Going back and forth was a way they remained connected to their homeland. One major reason some immigrants had a strong desire to return to their home land is because of the lack of acceptance in America.

                “Advances in transportation and communications technologies have made it possible for immigrants to maintain more frequent, immediate, and closer contact with their home societies and have changed the very nature of transnational connections.” [Foner, 368] The main reason for the change in transnationalism is the advancement in technology. It makes keeping bonds with their home land extremely easy. A journey back to their homeland that might have taken weeks or months, now only takes a few hours. Another thing that has changed transnationalism is the global economy which encourages international business. It is now easier for professionals and prosperous immigrants to function in a transnational field.  

                Technology really does make the world go round. It is easier than ever to keep ties with your homeland because of new modes of transportation and communication. Some immigrants come to the United States to make money and then scurry back to their land of origin. Even though they have made money, they never forget the place they came from because they return.

“From Cuenca, Ecuador to New York, U.S.A. Families and Transnational Lives” by Ann Miles

                In the previous article, Foner tells about the growth of trasnationalism and leaves the reader with a positive outlook. In the article, “From Cuenca, Ecuador to New York, U.S.A. Families and Transnational Lives” by Ann Miles, takes us behind the scenes. She learns the story of Vincente Quitasacas and his family and they hardships they faced. Miles presents the hardships of transnationalism on an immigrant.

                At first, the Quitasacas moved to Cuenca during the 1980’s. They hoped that their children would get a proper education and get somewhere in life. That hope was quickly shattered because it simply didn’t happen. The reason why Vincent decided to go to New York was because he believed that his future would lead to economic prospects. However, he was also aware of the hardships that he would face and it included emotional turmoil. When leaving, he didn’t only do it for himself, but also his family. Vincente’s goal was to make sure his siblings finished school, to ease his parents’ worries about old age, and to open a business so he could support his wife and children.

                Miles states that migrating isn’t all about money because the male migrants most make tough decisions and decide whether leaving is worth it. They are bombarded by many questions. One question geared toward Vinente is “Does leaving mean that the migrant is giving up on Ecuador?” [Miles, 381] There are so many other questions that Vincente and his family may have had to sort through to figure out if they were making the right decision or not.

                When chatting with Vincente, Miles makes a note that he always seemed happy and never let on to the troubles he was facing. Later on when learning of his stay, he troubles that he faced are mentioned. Vincente missed his family and his home, but as time progressed he thought of them less and less. When traveling home one night he was almost robbed. Even though he stated that he didn’t have money, he was still beaten. For that reason, he bought a car. However, he has to pay off for that car and whatever else debts he owes, which lessens the money he can send home.

                Vincente was not the only one suffering. His family suffered the loss of their son. After leaving, his mother was never the same. Later on, his little sister fell in and he had to pay for the hospital expenses. A while after, she died. Unable to support his family, his father had to join him in New York. The hopes of creating a business and returning home was never fulfilled.

                Immigrants come to America with a dream and sometimes they are just crushed. People would assume that these types of situations don’t exist in this day and age, but they do. Many immigrants in poor countries want to return home and live a better life, but it seems impossible. Miles states that Vincente’s story isn’t unique.

“Global Transactions Sudanese Refugees Sending Money Home” by Dianna J. Shandy

It seems like immigrants, Refugees do not forget where they come from. They are willing to keep ties with their homeland and people that are important to them. It doesn’t matter what turmoil is occurring within their land, they will try their best to help out their families. In the article, “Global Transactions Sudanese Refugees Sending Money Home” by Dianna J. Shandy, she shows how much of an impact the sending of money has on where a person lives.

Refugees in Sudan depend on the money that comes from overseas. They eagerly wait for whatever comes because it is their key to survival. They can retrieve the money by answering questions. Many Refugees will come to Addis if there is just a rumor of their relative sending money to them. Others come to Addis in hope of gathering information and forming a bond with some long lost relatives. It’s all about survival. This is the main reason why many people migrate from rural to urban areas. It seems that many would live in urban areas than in Refugee camps because of the danger. Leaving the camp to gather wood could be the end of someone’s life. To gain just a little bit of money, they most gather wood and risk their lives. In these camps, they hardly have enough food to eat. One long most likely dangerous journey to an urban area seems to be worth it to refugees.

When reading this article, I can’t help, but feel grateful. I don’t have to struggle to survive and make such harsh decision. The likely hood of dying while retrieving wood is little to none. These people are strong and I respect them.