Facilitating Role of Underground Banks: Implications of the Research

Abstract

This study is the first to investigate the use of underground banking systems among members of a specific ethnic group by tapping the clients’ perspectives. None of the previous research on illegal immigration and human smuggling has addressed the financial component of the process, or the operation of underground banking systems. Specifically, no prior research has elicited firsthand information from the operators or users of underground banks due to the highly secretive nature of their illegal activity. Limitations of data notwithstanding, the narratives of the respondents have provided valuable information regarding the role of these informal fund transfer systems in the lives of their clients, information which implies possible connections to illegal migration through human smuggling. Most of what has been reported herein is unique information never before reported. The following is a brief summary of the key findings of this research.