Engaging emigrants: a study of the Australian diaspora in the United States of America.

Abstract

Interest in the Australian diaspora has emerged in response to the growing number of Australians living overseas and the recognition that diaspora populations have the potential to be a positive asset to countries of origin. A contemporary global situation that fuels international mobility, particularly of individuals with highly-skilled characteristics, and technological advancements that allow transnational connections to be maintained across distance, contribute to this interest. A dearth of information about emigration and diasporas, especially from countries of immigration, makes it difficult to apply conventional migration theories to explain the mobility and experiences of these populations, and thereby understand how to effectively engage with these communities. This thesis builds on the base of knowledge about the Australian diaspora from Hugo (2003, 2006a, 2001) and others by examining the Australian diaspora in a particular country of destination, the United States of America (US). The major aims of the thesis are to better understand how the drivers of movement and the experiences of the Australian diaspora in the US relate to the wider global situation, national level policies and circumstances and contemporary migration theory. The thesis adds to the body of knowledge about the Australian diaspora in order to inform theory, policy and future research. A migration systems approach (Fawcett, 1989, Kritz et al., 1992, Massey, 2003), whereby global, national and individual level factors all contribute to explaining migration, is the theoretical framework of the thesis. The primary research in the thesis comprises of data collected in an online survey of 1,581 Australians living in the US. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted in the US with 17 survey respondents. Motivations for migration, progression of the migrant experience, patterns of international mobility and the maintenance of transnational linkages with Australia are the broad themes explored in the survey. Analysis of secondary data, including immigration statistics and information from previous surveys of Australians living overseas, provide context for the research. The activities of the Australian diaspora in the US support the view that the Australian diaspora should be seen as a distinct part of Australia’s population and a potential resource for Australia; they are often high achievers, visit Australia frequently, and usually retain a strong sense of connection and identification with Australia. Implications for theory and policy relating to Australian emigration and diaspora as well as future research are suggested based on the research findings.