The Second Generation Migrants’ Ties with the Home Country of Their Parents: Case of Lithuania

After regaining independence in 1991, one-fifth of the Lithuanian population emigrated abroad (Migration trends, 2023). While there have been numerous studies on the first generation of Lithuanian migrants who left the country after independence, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the ties of second-generation migrants. Hence, the aim of presentation is to reveal the connections of second-generation migrants with Lithuania.

Although second-generation migrants have been studied extensively worldwide, the primary focus of research has been on their identity, integration, and upward mobility. Transnational theory offers insights into the growing visibility and transnational claims of the second generation of migrants. While some authors argue that the second generation is less transnational than the migrant generation or engages in different forms of transnationalism (Maruyama & Stronza, 2010; Tie et al., 2015, Agyeman & Kyei 2019, etc.), others suggest that symbolic ties persist through “memories, nostalgia, and imagination” (Glick Schiller, 2004, 458) and continue to influence the transnational lives of the second generation (Levitt, 2009, 1231).

In the presentation the results of project “The connection with Lithuania of the second generation migrants who left the country after the regaining of independence” will used. It was conducted 30 in-depth interviews with the first and second generation migrants in 5 countries (USA, Ireland, UK, Norway and Germany) by using matched interview method. These interviews reveal the nature of transnational connections of both generations and identify factors influencing transnational ties, such as identities, family and school socialisation, and the timing and context of migration.