The Realities of a Migrant
The life of a migrant is equally exciting and challenging. The COVID-19 situation made many people realize that they can travel and work anywhere. Some wish to do it for a short while, but others plan to relocate permanently. Either way, I perceive that the media, especially social media, do not understand the realities of being a migrant, nor do the media discuss the costs of being an immigrant.
Before we continue, it is essential to define “migrant.” The European Commission defines a migrant as:
a person outside the territory of the State of which they are nationals or citizens and who has resided in a foreign country for more than one year irrespective of the causes, voluntary or involuntary, and the means, regular or irregular, used to migrate.
This definition is pretty good because it discounts short-term travelers moving from one country to another after some weeks or months as migrants. I think these people are more tourists than migrants.
Now the definition of a migrant is out of the way, let us discuss the realities of a migrant. But first, I want you to understand why I am writing this piece. I have two reasons: enlighten everyone about the plight of a migrant and to encourage fellow migrants
This article has been in my mind for the past six months, but I only crystallized my thoughts recently. Celebrating Christmas alone helped me clarify my thoughts. The life of a migrant can get incredibly lonely, especially during celebrations. That loneliness can help clarify thoughts and ideas, but it can also lead to depression.
So, please check up on any migrant you know. Ask them how they are faring and how you can support them. Living in a foreign country is challenging, so we appreciate whatever support you give.
Moving to a foreign country for personal or socio-political reasons is a huge privilege. Not everyone can do this. So, I am grateful for that opportunity. I am thankful that I could live in a safe, secure place. However, nothing good comes easy, right? One of the first realities that a migrant faces is loneliness. You are alone in a strange land, talking to people who probably do not understand your words and living in an unfamiliar culture. This transition is easier if you speak the same language or you have similar culture as your host country, but it is still the reality that you will face long periods of loneliness.
Another reality you would face is losing your support system, i.e., your family, your friends, your mentors back in your home country. You practically know no one in the new country that you wish to call home. And you have to start building this support system all over again. A lucky few move to another country with their family or friends, which helps them retain some form of their support system. But if you did not like me, good luck. This reality of losing your support system is further compounded depending on the age you moved. Kids can easily make new friends, but some adults already have friendships built for years, and they do not have time or space to add any other friends. At this point, you have to befriend yourself, or you are out of luck.
The next reality that you would face is that you have to fight for your place. With the right-wing politics sweeping across the western nations, the indigenes actively try to kick you out of their country. Get ready to fight for your right to live (even if you provide value to the economy, they do not care). The immigration authority will stress you; they will treat you as sub-human, and they will humiliate you. The immigration authority will intentionally withhold information or even leave you hanging because your case officer is on a month’s vacation, and no one else will handle your case. Get ready; no one said this would be easy, did they?
Additionally, a reality close to the previous reality is that you have to fight for your image. Many indigenes of your host country will judge you. They will judge you based on some external characteristic (for example, skin color or nationality). In general, we (everyone) judge others based on what we have heard, even if it is not valid. So I can not blame them. Just realize that some might not rent to you because you are a foreigner. Others will keep their distance because they think you are dangerous (literally and metaphorically). These situations and more will be part of your daily reality. You have to fight for your image. You have to prove yourself multiple times, and if you fail once, you might as well go back home. Do not get tired.
Based on these realities, you have a huge task ahead of you. The experience of being a migrant will break you, but it will also make you stronger. To tackle the reality of loneliness and lack of support, find your crew, i.e., build a new support system. Join an organization, meet people, be friendly (very important! A person looking for friends must be friendly); go out of your comfort zone. Some people will be interested in getting to know you, while others will dismiss you. Appreciate those who stay but in times of loneliness, stay strong.
The reality of fighting for your place and your image might cause bitterness, don’t allow resentment to fester. Be patient and kind regardless of the challenges. Find your anchor. My anchor is God, and He has helped me. You will be judged and humiliated but do not lose yourself in bitterness. Respect yourself and everyone. Be the best you can be, do not just survive but thrive in everything you do. Your success will help change some wrong opinions that some indigenes might have of people like you.
As time goes by, you begin to make acquaintances, earn respect, and begin to integrate. It is not all lost but never forget that you are still an outsider. The indigenes will judge you and exclude you. It is OK to grieve and let it all out, but you have to move forward. Over time, these realities fade because you have created your reality! Keep an eye out for your home country too. If nothing changes after putting considerable effort, you might be in the wrong place. Go back home or find another place to live.
Happy holidays!
