Syrian Venezuelan Onward Migrants in Iceland - Transnational Experiences & Identites

Abstract

This ethnographic study immerses itself in the rich tapestry of Syrian Venezuelan families and individuals who have embarked on a remarkable journey from Venezuela to Iceland. Their stories are intertwined with a historical narrative that traces Syrian migration to Venezuela, a phenomenon that began in the late 19th century. Their story is also connected to the contemporary wave of migration from Venezuela to Iceland that has surged since 2019. Through participant observation and open-ended interviews, this research seeks to illuminate the nuanced realities of these migrants’ lives in their new home. A central focus is the concept of mobility capital, illustrating how the participants' migration experiences—whether as second-generation immigrants or firsthand migrants—have equipped them with a valuable set of skills, abilities, and attitudes that facilitate their adaptation to Iceland’s distinct cultural and social landscape. Furthermore, this research uncovers the intricate, fluid nature of their transnational identities, revealing how they negotiate and reconfigure their sense of belonging across multiple cultural contexts.Through their narratives, the study offers a deeper understanding of identity as a dynamic and evolving construct, shaped by the interplay of past experiences and new environments.