Social Capital and Migration

Migration social capital is referred to the tangible and/or intangible benefits acquired by international migrants as a result of having contacts (or social networks) at the place of origin and/or at the place of destination of the migrant. Those benefits can be acquired at any time during the migratory process, such as, during the first migration trip and later trips, while crossing international borders, and during and after the settling process. It reduces the cost and risk associated with international movement. Social capital is often provided by paisanos (or countryman), friends, or by family members.