Transnational elements of newcomer women’s housing insecurity: remittances and social networks

Abstract

Navigating settlement is complex and often stressful for international migrants. Transnational networks may provide support in addressing settlement hurdles, as may settlement or other community organizations. However, elements of the migration experience, including transnational obligations (such as remittances) and transnational networks, may also be hindrances to overcoming settlement challenges. This paper is based on a larger study on housing insecurity and homelessness among newcomer migrant women in Montreal, Canada. Here, we focus on how transnational aspects of settlement shape newcomer women’s housing experiences, an understanding essential to the development of responsive services and policies. We draw on interviews with immigrant, refugee and undocumented women to illustrate the housing struggles they face, navigating transnational processes while (re)building their lives in Montreal. The paper concludes with recommendations for ways that immigrant and refugee settlement services can acknowledge and integrate these transnational considerations in order to prevent precarious housing and homelessness.

Keywords:

• homelessness
• transnational
• housing
• refugee
• immigrant
• remittances
• social networks