Transnational Social Network of Turks Living in the USA, and Turkish Associations in the USA

Abstract

An indicator of immigrants’ involvement in various areas of social life and of transnational activities in the host country following transnational migrations is their relationship with non-governmental organisations. In this context, this study is concerned with the views held by Turks living in the USA in relation to Turkish immigrant associations in the USA and their ties with those associations. The research data were collected from Turkish immigrants living in 34 different states of the USA through questionnaires. Immigrant associations are the collective organisations through which immigrants develop their social networks and social capital. However, the functions those associations fulfil and their purposes influence immigrants’ ties with those associations. The findings of the research showed that the Turks living in USA took part in the social networks of immigrant associations. The findings also indicated that the transnational ties between the Turkish immigrants haven’t yet strengthened enough.