Retirement migration and transnationalism in northern Mexico

• Published in: Journal of ethnic and migration studies Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 816 - 833
• Main Authors: Lardies-Bosque, Raul, Guillen, Jennifer C, Montes-de-Oca, Veronica
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 08-04-2016; Carfax Publishing Company, Abingdon Science Park; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Aging; Belonging; Borders; Cultural identity; Economic conditions; elderly; Family networks; Health care access; Health services; Immigrants; Kinship networks; Mexico; Migrants; Migration; Older people; Proximity; Retirees; Retirement; Social identity; Social network analysis; Social networks; Transnationalism; United States > US; Mexico; Baja California Mexico
• ISSN: 1369-183X; 1469-9451
• DOI: 10.1080/1369183X.2015.1086632

This article examines the phenomenon of transnationalism among retired immigrants living in border areas of northern Mexico. Using in-depth interviews conducted with US retirees residing in Baja California, Mexico, we seek to examine how transnational aging is constructed through different practices, relationships, networks and exchanges between both cultures and countries. We analyse several analytical dimensions of transnationalism including social, economic, cultural, identity and belonging conditions. In particular, networks and exchanges among these elderly migrants are most frequently constructed across social and family networks, economic transfers, access to healthcare, and culture. Additionally, we find that these maintained transnational practices in northern Mexico parallel those of international retired migrants living in other parts of the world. However, we argue that the proximity to the US border enables and encourages many types of connections of varying intensities. Finally, we discuss the implications for future research linking transnationalism with international retirement migration.