Transnational Migration as a Strategy of Resistance among Refugees: The South Sudanese Diaspora in Canada
Abstract
This article looks at strategies of resistance that Sub-Saharan Africans employ while adapting to Canadian environment. We assert that the refugees engage in numerous economic, sociopolitical and cultural transnational activities. Their initiatives benefit the refugees themselves and the sending and receiving countries. They serve as anti-racism and development tools against the backdrop of racism that they endure in Canada, the trauma of war and displacement, as well as war-related destruction in the sending country. They also strengthen awareness and better understanding of multiculturalism among Canadians. In the process, the subjects drew on scarce resources and overcame atrocious difficulties in order to improve their lives and create uplifting stories and actions. Though transnational migration also generates problematic impacts, these barriers could be overcome if the benefits of transnational migration are extended. Thus, we draw on the subjects’ resilience to expand conceptions about transnational migration in order to turn it into a most fruitful avenue in the twenty-first century.
Notes
Community organizations
NA
Gaps identified
NA
Key recommendations
NA
Key findings
Refugees maintained ties both in their home-country and Canada. Although the trauma associated with Sudan’s Civil War continued to haunt the participants, they insisted on creating ties in their sending country. We found that engaging in transnational activities helped the refugees to navigate everyday life in Canada.
Key populations
Sub-Saharan African refugees
Location
Calgary, Alberta
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
They are male and female participants aged between 18 and 40 and have been in Canada for five to 12 years.
Open-access – No