Digital transnationalism: strategies against vulnerability in the immigration journey
Maria Cervantes
PhD Student – UBC Geography
July 8, 2021 | 12 – 1 pm
[ Abstract ]
This talk explores how skilled Mexican immigrants in Vancouver employ strategies to combat the vulnerability they face by dealing with constant upward and downward mobility in their immigration journeys. I argue that these strategies are transferred to their use of digital technologies, particularly when interacting with other Mexicans online. Instead of contributing to maintaining a sense of belonging to Mexico, digital technologies reinforce existing social behaviours and Canadian media discourses that encourage expats to refuse to be associated with the Mexican community, especially once they have settled in Vancouver.
[ Bio ]
María Cervantes is a PhD student in the Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia, working with Dr. Merje Kuus and Dr. Elvin Wyly. She obtained a Master of Arts in Geography in May 2020, in the same department. María has a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico). Her PhD research focuses on the intersection of mobility and education policies with highly skilled migrant decision-making and transnational identity.
[ About the Migration Grad Student Power Hour ]
The Centre for Migration Studies Grad Student Power Hour provides opportunities for UBC graduate students to share their research on migration beyond their home departments and network with faculty and students from across the university and in the broader community sector. The Power Hour will begin with 10 minutes of networking opportunities, followed by a 30 minute talk and 20 minutes for discussion. Anyone is welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please RSVP for this online event below.
