Immigration, Mobility and Community in a Global World

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between mobility and how Latino immigrants and internal migrants to Columbia, Missouri, experience community. I present literature on community and mobility, primarily that related to the importance of places, social interaction, and networks. I also place this discussion in the context of a global system that brings issues of immigration to the forefront. Information from two interviews conducted using a grounded theory approach is used to illustrate the community attachments formed by newcomers to Columbia, and their implications. I find that although there are things that encourage attachment to the community, there are also notable barriers to full participation in the community. Through this research, I seek to empower communities by shedding light on the experiences of immigrants in a world where labor is increasingly mobile internationally. Hopefully, communities will use this information to facilitate productive activities and programs to include im/migrants in the community and accept their contributions.