How the Internet Is Changing the Migrant Experience

Laura Vidal: “The lockdowns showed many what communities of migrants had already known for a while: Online communication can help you keep in touch with your family when uncertainty and migration policies keep you from reuniting or visiting your loved ones.”

LV: “I’ve always felt moved by the experiences of women who leave their own children to care for other people’s children. So I’m fascinated to see how online tools can relieve a bit of the anxiety of not being physically close, even if it’s still not enough. This piece is from 2016, but it clearly details a trend that has only grown exponentially during the pandemic.

LV: “Domestic workers can face far too many types of abuse when working abroad. Last year, Aurora Almendral reported on some of their stories and initiatives, fueled by access to technology. Unfortunately, that hasn’t made for a solid solution yet, but it provides a window into these women’s resilience and sense of solidarity.”

LV: “This beautiful and moving personal essay can show you how sometimes you can access the heart of your country’s culture while being thousands of kilometers away.”

LV: “Whatsapp is the medium for lovers’ quarrels, controlling mothers trying to discipline from afar, and more: This story—re-edited and translated from Spanish by Global Voices—weaves personal accounts in with fascinating analysis of transnational families, and ultimately shows how important the internet is for the Cuban diaspora.”

LV: “For many Venezuelans, living abroad in the shadow of the political crisis has meant living in two contrasting worlds simultaneously. This illustration by Leonardo Gonzalez captures that dichotomy well: Snow outside and fire on the screens as people follow Venezuelan politics online. Been there, clicked that.”

LV: “I use WhatsApp to communicate with my family daily, and I think it has made a big difference in the ways migrant communities evolve and stay connected with their loved ones, especially with those who are less tech-savvy (hi mom! <3). Farhad Manjoo’s NYT piece explores similar stories, and acknowledges the importance of WhatsApp founder Jan Koum’s immigrant roots.”

LV: “I will never forget the comments I saw on social media or heard on the street, criticising migrants for having smartphones in their hands in spite of their situation. It goes to show how little they know about the migrant experience, and how technology can, at times, save your life and your sense of hope with photos, documents and GPS.”

LV: “As much as the internet keeps us connected, it can also make us vulnerable. This conversation is hard to hear, but very important: It features Jacinta González, an organizer with Mijente, explaining how the data we leave in cyberspace can be used against us.”

LV: “As Pratasevich continues to be unjustly detained in Belarus, Nexta continues to be an example of how being away from your country doesn’t have to prevent you from participating in its political life. Building communication bridges among your fellow citizens doesn’t just have to exist in person anymore.”

LV: “The internet can also be a way to connect with your new home and try to understand it better. In Americanah, the main character’s blog makes for quite a reading experience within the reading experience, and shows how conversations can go between locals and newcomers when talking about race in the United States. Here, author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie adds another layer to the literary experience as she reads one of Ifemelu’s blog posts for her followers on Instagram, opening a window into the novel, the story, and the universe that surrounds them.”