This article explores how ninety Colombian, Dominican, and Mexican transnational immigrant organizations pursue philanthropic projects that aid in the development of their country or community of origin. We find that each nationality's context of exit and reception affects the origin, strength, and character of their organizations. We produce "maps" of the interaction of transnational organizations with each country of origin and conduct multivariate regressions to establish determinants of key organizational characteristics, including their degree of formalization and form of creation. Generally, Colombian organizations assume more middleclass forms, Dominican organizations stem largely from politics in the country of origin, and Mexican organizations are primarily hometown associations with greater involvement of the national state. We observe that regardless of nationality, transnational immigrant organizations' members are older, better-established, and possess above-average levels of education, suggesting that participation in transnational activities and assimilation are not incompatible. The character of proactive activities by each national state are examined. Theoretical implications for immigrant adaptation and community/national development are discussed. is the Web site for a public/private partnership in the Republic of Colombia which aims at diffusing information about the country among its immigrants all over the world and at channeling their contributions to established charities and philanthropic initiatives throughout the nation. "With a simple click," says Conexion Colombia's attractive brochure, "any person in the world can donate and contribute to the country's development. Connect yourself now!" According to the young, dynamic

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Los inmigrantes colombianos se han naturalizado en grandes cantidades después de la promulgación del acto legislativo colombiano de la doble ciudadanía en 1990 y de las reformas de inmigración de los Estados Unidos durante los noventas. Contrario a los temores de que la doble ciudadanía sea perjudicial para la participación política y una amenaza a la democracia de los Estados Unidos, la autora sostiene que conservar lazos formales con el país de origen no significa un desarraigo político con el país de residencia. Más aun, demuestra cómo las organizaciones inmigrantes transnacionales han jugado un papel crítico como agentes de la participación política. La doble ciudadanía colombiana ha facilitado también la decisión de los inmigrantes de nacionalizarse para prevenir la pérdida de privilegios que los Estados Unidos ha restringido solo para aquellos que poseen el estatus de ciudadanos. Contrario a los temores de que este uso "instrumental" de la naturalización represente un peligro para la nación, el artículo sostiene que dicha motivación no excluye necesariamente el interés de los inmigrantes para participar en política, y en vez de ello, puede constituirse en una oportunidad para la inclusión. Palabras clave: Colombia, ciudadanía, naturalización, inmigración, organización transnacional; participación política. Dual citizenship and political participation: migrants in the interplay of United States and Colombian politics S U M M A R Y Colombian migrants have naturalized in great numbers following the enactment of Colombian dual citizenship legislation in 1990 and the US immigration reforms of 1990s. Contrary to fears that dual citizenship is detrimental to political engagement and a threat to US democracy, the writer argues that the maintenance of formal ties to their home-country does not result in migrant's political disengagement from their country of residence. Rather, transnational migrant organizations have played a critical role as agents of political engagement. Colombian dual citizenship has also facilitated migrant's decision to nationalize in order to prevent the loss of privileges that the us has restricted to those holding citizen status. Contrary to fears that this "instrumental" use of naturalization poses a danger to the nation, the article argues that this motive for naturalization does not necessarily exclude migrant's interest in political participation and can, instead, be considered an opportunity for inclusion.