ABSTRACT
Return migration researchers have raised issues that parallel discussions of migration, which contrast rational decision-making with decision-making embedded in social norms and culture. However, migration and return migration differ in crucial ways: return migrants have experienced their home culture either directly or indirectly. Therefore, most analyses of this population must include issues of belonging, identity, and emotions. This review of issues related to return migration mainly focuses on voluntary, rather than
forced, migration (illegal immigrants’ and asylum-seekers’ repatriation, etc.). It will begin with a discussion of alternative frameworks of decision-making, and then describe the literature on return migration and transnationalism and identities; these include long-term studies and studies that focus on various statuses. Finally, it will conclude with a discussion of the costs migrants encounter in adaptation.
