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Seeking transnational social protection during a global pandemic: The case of Chinese immigrants in the United States

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  • Cao, Xuemei
  • Sun, Ken Chih-Yan

Abstract

Drawing on in-depth interviews with Chinese immigrants in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, this article examines the construction of immigrants' transnational social safety net and its gaps as the pandemic struck their home and host societies successively. Building upon the scholarship on transnational migration and transnational social protection, we argue that understanding how immigrants manage moments of crisis requires a cross-border optic. As we show, transnational connections can be translated into valuable material and immaterial resources. However, such protections are contingent upon the reception of their local receiving communities. The perceived hierarchy between the sending and receiving society, coupled with the U.S.' lack of experience with infectious disease outbreaks, limits the extent to which immigrants could put their transnational knowledge and resources to use. Our analyses shed new light upon the circumstances that empower and constrain immigrants as the global pandemic unsettles their daily routines.

Suggested Citation

  • Cao, Xuemei & Sun, Ken Chih-Yan, 2021. "Seeking transnational social protection during a global pandemic: The case of Chinese immigrants in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 287(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:287:y:2021:i:c:s0277953621007103
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114378
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ruxandra Paul, 2017. "Welfare without borders: unpacking the bases of transnational social protection for international migrants," Oxford Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 45(1), pages 33-46, January.
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    3. Holdaway, Jennifer & Levitt, Peggy & Fang, Jing & Rajaram, Narasimhan, 2015. "Mobility and health sector development in China and India," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 268-276.
    4. Horton, Sarah & Cole, Stephanie, 2011. "Medical returns: Seeking health care in Mexico," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(11), pages 1846-1852, June.
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