Abstract

Whereas most of the literature on migration focuses on individuals and their families, this book studies the organizations created by immigrants to protect themselves in their receiving states. Comparing eighteen of these grassroots organizations formed across the world, from India to Colombia to Vietnam to the Congo, researchers from the United States, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Spain focus their studies on the internal structure and activities of these organizations as they relate to developmental initiatives. The book outlines the principal positions in the migration and development debate and discusses the concept of transnationalism as a means of resolving these controversies.

Alejandro Portes is Howard Harrison and Gabrielle Snyder Beck Professor of Sociology (Emeritus) at Princeton University, Founding Director of Princeton's Center for Migration and Development, and Research Professor at the University of Miami. His most recent book is Immigrant America, IV Edition (with Rubén G. Rumbaut, University of California Press 2014).

“…an insightful volume that makes a significant contribution to the scholarly field on transnationalism with a particular reference to the migration-development-integration nexus. I would recommend this volume to anyone interested in organisational transnationalism, homeland development and integration.” · Nordic Journal of Migration Research

“The State and the Grassroots makes an important contribution. It will be of interest to all scholars and students with of all levels concerned with international migration. Select chapters would be appropriate for undergraduate course adoption.” · Contemporary Sociology

“This impressive book… offers a very easy introduction and overview of the topic. It is, therefore, recommended not only to specialists with prior knowledge but to all interested in the topic. What makes this book special is the presentation and inclusion of the first completed, comprehensive studies of various migration groups in the US… [It] provides exhaustive documentation of how transnational immigrant organizations emerge and interact with home and host countries, presenting immigrants as vital agents of development. There is no doubt that [this volume) should be purchased by all university libraries and that it can enlighten readers in a domain in urgent need of attention.” · European Planning Studies

“This is an outstanding volume that offers a unique look at the role of immigrant organizations in the United States and Europe. By focusing on organizations of immigrants, it shows their central role in the transnational field and moves the migration-development debate to a new, much more sophisticated level.”  ·  Ariel Armony, University of Miami

Patricia Fernández-Kelly is Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Research Associate of the Office for Population Research at Princeton University. Her most recent book is The Hero’s Fight: African Americans in West Baltimore and the Shadow of the State (Princeton University Press 2015).