Transnationalism and identity are central concepts in migration studies, highlighting the interplay between global connections and personal or collective identities. Transnational networks often rest on shared identities, while identities are shaped by multi-place social worlds. This article introduces the transnational perspective in migration studies, discusses its critiques, and summarizes contributions from a special issue of JEMS. It emphasizes how transnational settings influence identity construction, negotiation, and reproduction. Transnationalism, involving global or cross-border connections, has gained prominence in understanding migrant experiences. It challenges traditional views focusing on adaptation or exclusion, instead highlighting migrants' ties to home communities, traditions, and causes. The concept has evolved with technological advancements and changing political and economic contexts, affecting migrant communities' political organization, remittances, and cultural practices. Transnational migrant communities have significant economic, social, and political impacts. Remittances support families, influence local economies, and affect labor markets. Socially, transnational connections foster cultural exchanges, marriage alliances, and religious activities. Politically, they challenge nation-state assumptions and raise questions about citizenship and identity. Critiques of transnationalism include its overuse, lack of theoretical clarity, and debates over its distinctiveness from other social processes. Some argue it is a new phenomenon driven by technology, while others see it as a form of resistance or incorporation into global capitalism. There is also debate over whether transnationalism applies to all migrants, including the second generation. The special issue presents case studies showing how transnationalism affects identity. Examples include Senegalese Mourides, Turkish-German migrants, refugees, Chinese overseas communities, Moroccan women, female domestic workers, Turkish Cypriots, and Rastafarianism in Cuba. These cases illustrate how transnationalism shapes identities through multiple affiliations, cultural exchanges, and political engagement. The article concludes that transnationalism and identity are complex, interrelated concepts that challenge traditional theories and require further research. It underscores the need for empirical studies and theoretical rethinking to better understand the dynamics of transnational identities.Transnationalism and identity are central concepts in migration studies, highlighting the interplay between global connections and personal or collective identities. Transnational networks often rest on shared identities, while identities are shaped by multi-place social worlds. This article introduces the transnational perspective in migration studies, discusses its critiques, and summarizes contributions from a special issue of JEMS. It emphasizes how transnational settings influence identity construction, negotiation, and reproduction. Transnationalism, involving global or cross-border connections, has gained prominence in understanding migrant experiences. It challenges traditional views focusing on adaptation or exclusion, instead highlighting migrants' ties to home communities, traditions, and causes. The concept has evolved with technological advancements and changing political and economic contexts, affecting migrant communities' political organization, remittances, and cultural practices. Transnational migrant communities have significant economic, social, and political impacts. Remittances support families, influence local economies, and affect labor markets. Socially, transnational connections foster cultural exchanges, marriage alliances, and religious activities. Politically, they challenge nation-state assumptions and raise questions about citizenship and identity. Critiques of transnationalism include its overuse, lack of theoretical clarity, and debates over its distinctiveness from other social processes. Some argue it is a new phenomenon driven by technology, while others see it as a form of resistance or incorporation into global capitalism. There is also debate over whether transnationalism applies to all migrants, including the second generation. The special issue presents case studies showing how transnationalism affects identity. Examples include Senegalese Mourides, Turkish-German migrants, refugees, Chinese overseas communities, Moroccan women, female domestic workers, Turkish Cypriots, and Rastafarianism in Cuba. These cases illustrate how transnationalism shapes identities through multiple affiliations, cultural exchanges, and political engagement. The article concludes that transnationalism and identity are complex, interrelated concepts that challenge traditional theories and require further research. It underscores the need for empirical studies and theoretical rethinking to better understand the dynamics of transnational identities.