Introduction Transnationalism is a contemporary phenomenon that involves migration of people from one country to another, but they retain ties with their home countries. The notion of transnationalism is “being here and there at the same time” (Cano, 2009.p. 1). Movement of people across borders has been made easy by improved modes of transport, technology, and communication. Transnationalism involves living in one country but belonging to another. The scoop of the paper will be on the definition of transnationalism, reasons that lead migrants to become transnational migrants. The way transnationalism has changed in the 21 st century and forces behind the change. Finally, on the way nations have responded to the change in migration. Migrants to transnational migrants Migrants move from their home country because of various reasons such as economic pursuits, hostile environments or for adventure. People who move to search for greener pastures leave families behind, and hence they remit money back home. Such people have strong ties with the people left behind similar than those who move away from their countries because of personal reasons. They feel that they have an obligation to take care of their country even if they are away. Therefore, family obligation is a very strong factor that makes migrants become transitional migrants (Schiller & Fouron, 1999). The sense of belonging also makes migrants to become transnational migrants. Belonging is a basic human need, and migrants often face hostility or are not welcomed in the host countries. They are often treated as intruders who come to disrupt the nation and take job opportunity from the locals. The migrants may be discriminated against because of their different skin color. Such migrants are made to feel as if they are second class citizens. Hence, they do not belong to their host communities. On the contrary, back at home they belong, and are treated with respect for the help they offer to their families, and countries. The respect they get from their people makes them retain ties with the home countries; hence, they are able to bear the harsh environment in the host country. Such migrants retain ties with home even if they acquire citizenship of the host countries (Schiller & Fouron, 1999). Migrants also become transnational migrants because they hope to retire at home. Thus, it is important to maintain strong ties with family at home who will welcome the migrants once they retire. The home environment is good because the transnational migrants do not face challenges such as discrimination that many suffer in the receiving countries. In addition, with the money they make in the host country they can retire, and live comfortable lives with dignity. They are also treated as respectable members of the home society. In some cases such as in Haiti, an immigrant had to become a transnational migrant, and show loyalty to Haiti or risk being labeled a betrayer of the nation, hence, would not retire in the country peacefully (Schiller & Fouron, 1999). Moreover, blood ties make migrants transnational. The blood ties to the home country cannot be changed even if one acquires citizenship of another country. There is the belief that one remains a member of their home country. The blood ties also makes migrants help people back at home who may be in dire situation, and lack basic needs. If not for anything else for humanity that makes them remember pe