Identity

Abstract

Identity is a central element of the migrant experience. As is the case for other migrants, American migrant identity is closely linked to both integration and transnationalism. My research suggests the emergence of an overseas American identity — perhaps best characterized as an ethnic, or a diasporic identity — among some overseas Americans. This identity seems to be a distinct one, perhaps best placed mid-way on a scale between the domestic American identity and the host country identity. Indeed, as transnationalism and integration are seen increasingly as co-existing, acceptance of such a hybrid, or dual, identity in Europe, is also growing (Vertovec 2001).