Transnational Return Migration to the English-speaking Caribbean

Abstract

Using a transnational theoretical framework we examine the factors which have been involved in the emergence of a return migration culture in the English-speaking Caribbean since 1834. Caribbean emigration and return is not a simplistic bipolar movement, rather the flow is best understood as a fluid looping process which has some backflow. This paper presents a review of the return migration literature as it applies to the English-speaking Caribbean. By doing so, we make a strong case for the use of a transnational approach to understanding the current return migration phenomenon which has changed due to the ease with which migrants can move back and forth between “home” and abroad. Also presented are a theoretical model of decision making, and the correlates which predict the return migration intentions among Guyanese, Trinidadian’s and Jamaicans living in Toronto in 2004.