ABSTRACT
This chapter examines transnationalism and remittances as a late twentieth century general phenomenon and the flow of remittances from Haitian Americans to Haitians. The notion of transnational suggests that Haitians are unlike turn-of-the-century migrants in several respects but are typical of contemporary immigrants to the United States. Transnationalism also enters Haitian Americans' discussion about their race and ethnicity. Despite the multifaceted nature of transnationals and transnationalism, remittances, particularly to Haitians from Haitian Americans, continue to be very important. Besides financing household reunification, remittances enable Haitians to meet their basic needs before the family emigrates to the United States. The political links between the US diaspora and the Haitian political system are well known and documented, particularly for the era after Baby Doc left Haiti and the transition to democracy began. Rural Haitian households invest in others who then migrate and thus minimize group risk by diversifying their household's various sources of income.
