Linked Lives, Dividing Borders: From Transnational Solidarity to Family Reunification of an Older Parent

Abstract

This chapter focuses on a relatively unexplored phenomenon concerning transnational families: family reunification of an ascendant. It combines theories of the transnational life course, intergenerational relations, and citizenship negotiation. It is based on a qualitative research conducted in French-speaking Switzerland using semi-structured interviews with 24 families who tried to bring in elderly parents and 48 social workers working in services helping these families. Two main questions are studied: what are the motivations that lead migrant families to try to bring elderly parents to their countries of residence? How do these families deal with residency laws? I conclude by discussing discrepancies between definitions given by families and immigration authorities about what is a ‘family’ and their practical consequences for transnational families.