The way we see the world is shaped by what we hear and read. Whether it’s on the news, social media, or TV, the stories told about migrants influence how people think about immigration, policies, and even about the migrants themselves.
So, what happens when those stories are one-sided, exaggerated, or completely false?
They shape real-life experiences, from job opportunities to housing, social interactions, and even government policies that decide who gets to stay and who gets sent back.
Basically, for many migrants, media stereotypes aren’t just words… They impact their daily lives, their futures, and how they’re treated.
Let’s talk about how the media shapes migration narratives, why it matters, and how it actually impacts real people.
The Power of Words and Labels
The words and images (whether in mainstream media or social media) influence who is seen as “deserving” and who is seen as a “problem.”
Here’s how the same reality is framed differently depending on who the migrants are:
✅ “Expats” vs “Immigrants” – A British or American person moving to another country is often called an “expat,” while Africans, Asians, and Latin Americans are labelled “immigrants” or worse, “illegal migrants” or “aliens,” regardless of their legal status.
✅ “Job creators” vs. “Job stealers” – Some migrants are praised for starting businesses and contributing to the economy, while others(especially from Africa or the Middle East) are accused of taking jobs, even when they do work that locals don’t want or avoid.
✅ “Refugee crisis” vs. “Humanitarian response” – When migrants from Africa or the Middle East flee war or economic hardship, it’s called a “crisis” that needs “control.” When migrants from Ukraine fled to other parts of Europe, it was framed as a “humanitarian response”. Same situation, different headlines.
These aren’t just words. They shape public attitudes; they shape elections and policies.
And for the migrants themselves? These labels affect how they are treated, how they see themselves, and how hard they have to work to prove their worth.
Case Study: African Migrants in Europe
Let’s take a real-life example: African migrants in Europe.
When news outlets report on African migration, the focus is often on:
📌 “Migrant boats flooding Europe” instead of the reasons people are fleeing (conflict, climate change, economic instability… often linked to Western policies).
📌 “Unskilled workers” instead of acknowledging that many migrants are highly educated professionals who struggle with degree recognition barriers.
📌 “Cultural threats” instead of recognizing the real contributions migrants make to the economy, healthcare, and local industries.
A 2019 study by the Oxford Migration Observatory found that UK newspapers were five times more likely to mention the word “illegal” in articles about African migrants than when reporting on European migrants.
This kind of biased reporting doesn’t just shape opinions; it affects laws, job opportunities, daily experiences and so on.
But the damage goes beyond policy. Many African migrants internalize these stereotypes. This, of course, leads to self-doubt, stress, and isolation… on top of the struggles they already face.
How These Stereotypes Affect Real Lives
Let’s look at the real-life consequences of these media narratives.
Harder to Get Jobs – When migrants are constantly portrayed as unskilled, criminals, or a burden, many employers hesitate to hire them, even when they’re highly qualified.
Stricter Immigration Policies– When the media presents migration as a “threat,” governments tighten borders, extend visa processing times, and make citizenship harder to get.
More Public Hostility – If the media pushes the idea that migrants are causing problems, then discrimination, racism, and even violence against migrants increase.
Mental and Emotional Toll – When migrants only see negative portrayals of people like them, it affects their self-esteem, confidence, and mental health. Many feel they have to work twice as hard just to be accepted or even just to be seen as human; they have to constantly prove they belong.
So, What Can Be Done?
✅ Better Journalism – Media needs to show and tell the full story, not just fear-based narratives. Migration isn’t just about struggles; it’s also about success, contribution, and resilience.
✅ Fact-Checking the Fear – Many headlines exaggerate numbers, misuse statistics, or push political agendas. Readers need to question sources, look for different perspectives, and challenge misleading reports.
✅ Migrants Controlling Their Own Story – Thanks to social media! Migrants can share their own experiences, correct false narratives, and give a more accurate picture of migration. (This is one reason we’ve opened a forum where you can share your stories and connect with others. Please sign up!)
✅ Calling Out Bias – If a news outlet spreads misleading stereotypes, people should demand better reporting, write to editors, and support platforms that tell the whole truth.
Honestly…
If we want a fairer, more inclusive world, we need to challenge one-sided media narratives.
Because at the end of the day, migration isn’t just a headline; it’s a human story, one we’ve told time and time again.
