Discrimination and Reactive Transnationalism Among Recent Italian, Polish, Turkish, and Syrian Immigrants in Germany

Reactive transnationalism involves immigrants responding to hostility in the receiving society by increasing their connection and interaction with their origin country. The current study builds upon previous examinations of this phenomenon by considering whether direct experience is the only form of discrimination that matters. It examines whether the mere perception of unfairness—no first‑hand experience required—is also associated with transnational behaviors. Data from the 2019 Recent Immigration Processes and Early Integration Trajectories in Germany survey are used to analyze remittance and political transnationalism patterns among Turkish, Syrian, Polish, and Italian immigrants. Results confirm the reactive transnationalism association in the German context and also introduce greater nuance into our understanding. For one, while direct exposure to hostility matters, it is not required. Transnationalism is also linked to the general perception that one’s group is treated unfairly. Further, the results indicate that a reactive political transnationalism association is strongest among Turkish respondents, demonstrating significant variation across groups. The implications of these results for future research are discussed.