Translocal Activities of Local Governments and Migrant Organizations

Abstract

This chapter examines translocal relationships that link local governments and migrant organizations in a country of origin with those in a country of destination. Drawing on existing research, the discussion is guided by three interconnected questions: (i) What kinds of relations can be observed between local governments and immigrant organizations? (ii) What are the main driving factors for these relations? (iii) What is the impact of these relations on sending and destination societies? In addressing these questions, this chapter touches upon two overarching debates that are central in this publication. The first is the increasing prominence of the migration and development framework. Related to this, several European countries have established co-development programmes aimed at linking immigrants and their organizations to development processes in the region of origin, often with the intention of stimulating integration processes in destination countries as well. The second debate is related to this and centers on whether translocal linkages between migrant source and destination countries and integration in destination countries reinforce each other or are a zero-sum proposition.