Part 1: The Stories We Hear

Migration is about more than crossing borders. It’s about people_ real people with dreams, struggles, and unique stories that often go untold. Yet, how migration is perceived is deeply influenced by the media. The headlines we read, the images we see, and the narratives we hear don’t just mirror public opinion… they shape it.

When I moved to Germany, I expected challenges. But what I didn’t anticipate was the added weight of how immigrants are portrayed. Scrolling through articles and social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter (now X), it’s impossible to miss how migration is often framed as a “crisis.”

I say this not just as someone who’s experienced it firsthand, but as someone who’s studied it extensively. My master’s thesis focused on this very topic.

During the 2015 refugee crisis, European media widely circulated dramatic images of overcrowded boats crossing the Mediterranean. While some coverage drew empathy, much of it turned migration into a “crisis”—a burden, a problem to fear or solve. Reports from the European Parliament revealed that media coverage often framed the crisis as a security threat, overshadowing the humanity and complexity of those seeking refuge.

This framing tells only part of the story. Migration is deeply personal, and behind every statistic are individuals with dreams, families, and aspirations. Yet, success stories—of immigrants who have become educators, entrepreneurs, or healthcare workers—rarely make the headlines. Instead, fear-driven narratives dominate, reducing migration to a challenge to overcome rather than recognizing its potential to enrich communities.