Shadow Transnationalism

• Published in: Journal of Planning Education and Research
• Main Author: Sandoval, Gerardo Francisco
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2013
• Subjects: Postville; Rosario
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0739456x12469881; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0739456X12469881; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/0739456X12469881

Informal transnational networks support unauthorized communities, in what I call Shadow Transnationalism. I trace the intertwined fortunes of Postville, Iowa, and El Rosario, Guatemala. I identify shadow network flows through employment recruitment networks, lending networks, remittance transfers, and smuggling networks. I further investigate efforts of transnationalism from “below” scholars by building on the idea of a “shadow place.” I then analyze the transnational networks that are supported by employers, the state, and immigrants, and that create exploitative transnational spaces dependent on unauthorized communities. The study offers planners a better understanding of the vulnerability, risks, and interdependence of shadow transnational networks.