The media coverage of Venezuelan migration in Mexico and its impact on public opinion

Abstract

In 2019, about 4 million Venezuelans have left the country looking for a better landscape for them and their families. Thousands, even entire families, have arrived in Mexico, trying to regularize their situation and to stay permanently in the country. The purpose of this work is to analyze how the media portrays the Venezuelan migration in Mexico, and in what way this coverage influences people’s judgements about migration. Particularly to understand what kinds of arguments are used to justify hostility and xenophobic opinions. Data collection focuses on a textual analysis of online news generated by Mexican and international media. Final outcomes will show how the media serves to preserve a particular coverage based on traditional prejudiced stereotypes that serve to set a hostile ambient towards migrants and to justify violations to their human rights.

Keywords

• Venezuelan migration
• Xenophobia
• Mexico
• Media coverage
• Social media