Do family ties with those left behind intensify or weaken migrants' assimilation?

► There is keen interest in the integration and assimilation of migrants. ► Strong ties with the home country coexist with strong ties with the host country. ► Family ties with the home country intensify assimilation. ► The desire to remit motivates a migrant to assimilate and obtain higher income. ► Altruism towards the family at home intensifies attachment to the host country.