Transnational spaces through local places - Mexican immigrants in Albuquerque (New Mexico)

Abstract

Even though a large part of empirical research hasfocused on particular localities, literature on transnational migration has neglected the role of place in the construction or permanence of transnational ties between Mexico and the United States. This article explores how relevant the place (i.e., constructions and representations ofplaces, as well as developing a sense ofplace) is to understanding migration processes and decisions among Mexican immigrants in Albuquerque (New Mexico). Methodologically, the article is based on qualitative research in the Mexican community in Albuquerque, and itfocuses on analysis of immigrants' mental maps and spatial discourses. The article concludes that immigrants identify with places at macro (national) as well as micro levels. At the macro level, ideas on Mexico and the United States are key to understanding immigrants' intentions regarding length of stay. Yet the strongest senses of place are found at the micro level. Here, identification with public spaces is associated with radical changes in the immigrants' lives.