Leaving Home: Migrant Stories
Year 6 History Studies by Olivia Monte 20914825
Supporting Migrants
People leave their home countires and migrate for many different reasons. Often when people move they are pursuing a better life in a new place. Many migrants find that wealthier countires can provide them with career, education, freedom and quality of life opportunities that they could never dream of in their home countires. This is a very positive aspect of migration, but unfortunately migrants may experience difficulties in setting up their new lives. When the local community is aware of some of the issues that migrants face, it can help us to understand the complexity of migration and more importantly, it helps us build empathy. Below are some of the challenges faced by migrants as well as the support that is available for them.
Not Knowing the Culture
The culture of the new place may be very different to the migrant's old homeland. Within a society, culture affects everything; how people speak, the type of music which is preferred, the main religion, the types of food, the clothing worn, the jokes that are made. Not knowing the culture in a place can be very isolating and frustrating.
Learning a New Language
When people migrate, they may move to a place which uses a different langugae. Migrants will then need to learn the new language in order communicate. Imagine how excluded you would feel if you lived in Australia without knowing English? You would not be able to read, write, learn at school, speak or listen to anoyone.
Separation from Family
Sometimes entire families move together to a new homeland, but often families split up when someone migrates. This can be very upsetting for both the people who stay behind and those who leave. Being separated from family can be very traumatic for some people as their entire lives are based around the family and its traditions.
Housing Issues
Often when people move to a new place, they may have limited choice of the housing available to them, or no choice at all. Sometimes migrants cannot secure safe and affordable housing. They may not have a home when they come to a new place, and this can have a large impact on other life areas such as employment, citizenship and education whilst also bringing a sense of unease, insecurity and unhappiness.
Migration Challenges
Lonliness
Lonliness is an issue that affects many migrants. When people move, they may leave behind a large network of family, friends, traditions, culture and sense of belonging. It may take a long time before they truly feel accepted in the new homeland.
Transportation
When arriving in a new place, particularly a new country, everyday transportation may become difficult for migrants. Knowing the road rules, having a driver's licence and being aware of bus routes takes time, and so many migrants may experience a period of having restricted transport options in their new home.
Trauma
Trauma is experienced by those who have been through a very challenging and testing emotional or physical experience. Many people are affected by emotional and mental trauma after the event has passed, and this can cause a number of mental health issues. Many refugees have experienced trauma in their old homelands, such being abused or witnessing extreme violence. The pain from such experiences can still effect people long after they have are removed from the traumatic environment.
Poverty
A lack of money can make life very difficult, as money is what enables people to study, eat, use ammenities such as accessing healthcare, paying for transport, paying for housing and buying clothing. Migrants - particularly refugees- may not have much money when they arrive in a new place and often people may spend whatever money they had on the journey to the new country. A lack of money can be very challenging for a family with children who also need to be sent to school.
Citizenship
After leaving thier home land, some migrants may want to gain Australian citizenship to receive the same rights as other Australians. This can sometimes prove to be difficult, as a test needs to be taken and specific personal documentation may be required.
Racism
Racism is the act of treating people differently based on the colour of their skin and their racial ethnicity. Usually racism is antagonising and discriminating, and the act of doing so can make victims feel very upset and unwanted. Unfortunately some communities are racist and unaccepting of people who are different, and migrants can become victims of racism. Feelings of racial inferiority or discrimination can affect all aspects of one's life and can lead to problems with friendships, employment, learning and mental health.
Helping Migrants
Although migrating can be a daunting and challenging experience, the Australian community has established a number of resources and charity groups to help support migrants. Use the links below to learn about some of the support that is available to migrants.
These sites and resources are examples of support that are available for migrant arrivals.
Below are some sites which help to build our knowledge of migrants and the challenges that they may have faced.
Many migrants may want to become Australian citizens, which means that they will have to sit the citizenship test. Try this sample test to get a feel for the types of questions asked. Would you pass the test?