The University of New Mexico (UNM) has unveiled a new publication titled "Migrant World Making," co-authored by Michael Lechuga, a professor in the UNM Communication & Journalism department. The book delves into the intricate narratives and theories surrounding the settlement experiences of migrants in the U.S., exploring the complexities of community building and the associated challenges of fostering a deep sense of belonging.
The scholarly work, which is a collaboration between academics from Texas A&M University, Loyola Marymount University, and Colorado State University, examines diverse communication tools and strategies used by migrants to navigate life in a nationalistic society. According to a press release by UNM, the analysis underscores the enduring relevance of traditional methods like word-of-mouth and scholarly works, while also highlighting the significant role played by contemporary tools such as social media, broadcast media, and protests in connecting migrant communities.
Lechuga said in a press release issued by UNM: "This project is a reflection of our vision for fixing how migrants are oftentimes just talked about but rarely get to represent themselves or talk about themselves. That was something that we wanted to really focus on in this book." He added: "There's this sense that so much of the world, as it's constructed and produced, is against them, so they have to make their own worlds when they go places."
Lechuga further commented: "When migrants do new things, when they become new people in these new places that they go to, it really is about making a new world. Maybe you don't have an open mind about the possibilities and the values that migrants bring in and the richness that they bring to this world. That's kind of what inspired this book."
The Department of Communication & Journalism at UNM is known for its emphasis on research, teaching, and community service. The department boasts renowned faculty members who receive recognition for their contributions. The diverse student body is engaged in understanding communication's role globally. The department offers undergraduate programs in communication, multimedia journalism, and strategic communication, according to the Department of Communication & Journalism webpage provided by UNM.