This book investigates how international migration shapes both the lives of migrants and the political and economic landscapes of their home and host countries. Roger David Waldinger, a sociologist, examines the complex dynamics of migration, focusing on how newcomers from developing nations leverage their new lives in developed countries to send remittances home and foster change in their homelands. The book explores how emigration states extend their influence abroad to protect their citizens and maintain loyalty, while also acknowledging that over time, immigrants and their descendants tend to become increasingly detached from their countries of origin, shifting their focus to their new residences.

The book is recognized for its in-depth analysis of the multifaceted impacts of international migration. It is noted for its examination of the reciprocal influences between migrants, their countries of origin, and their host nations, particularly concerning remittances and political mobilization. The work is appreciated for its nuanced perspective on the long-term assimilation process and the eventual reorientation of migrants' allegiances. This study offers a comprehensive sociological perspective on the enduring connections and eventual disconnections forged by migration.