In Lieu of Conclusion: Some Lessons from the Analysis of American Immigrants’ Experience, Research Agendas of (Im)Migration Studies Elsewhere in the World, and What We Can Learn from Each Other

Abstract

One of the reviewers of the manuscript of this book asked “What about the rest of the world?” pointing to the general scope of the title and the American focus of empirical analyses. It was impossible to contain in one volume more comparative examinations than I already have, so I have opted for a less ambitious solution. I first point out here what I perceive as the most interesting conclusions regarding the conceptual framework(s) for the sociological study of (im)migration in the United States. Next, following an overview of the main research agendas and explanatory strategies in the study of (im)migration in other parts of the world, I offer some suggestions as to what elements of the approach presented in this volume, and akin orientations informing American studies in this field, might enrich similar investigations elsewhere around the globe and, reciprocally, what issues and approaches used in the study of (im)migration in other world regions might enhance American research.