Borderlines: immigration beyond the headlines (includes mini documentary)

To visit accompanying website, click here. To view the accompanying photo essay, click here. To listen to the accompanying podcast, click here.

The topic of modern immigration approached by headlines and policy discussions often overshadows the real complexity of this debate.

Migration to another nation can be viewed as an intricate process where happiness about a new future contrasts against the concern over having to say goodbye to one’s native land.

Adriana Gonzalez sees her move from Cuba as an inevitable part of the road to a good life. 

“Working in multiple jobs and providing the life that you want to live is nothing compared to being in Cuba and working however much you can and still not being able to provide yourself that same life,” She said

However, this positive attitude also contrasts with the personal experience from others. 

Marianne Sotolongo describes her experience of choosing to leave behind everything she knows for the sake of her child’s bright future. Her story shows that leaving home is a bold move that may not lead to anything positive and may be associated with various hardships. 

“Just imagining it makes me feel bad,” said Sotolongo. “Because I still have family over there, it shocks me, it affects me a lot.”

Ana Olivera Gonzalez is an FIU student studying digital media and multimedia production with a focus on storytelling and visual journalism. A Cuban creative, her work often highlights culture and community voices in Miami. She is passionate about bilingual reporting and producing human-centered stories that connect with diverse audiences. Ana also has a strong interest in creative direction, visual aesthetics, and digital storytelling across platforms.

Devin Dixon is a college sophomore majoring in Digital Communications and minoring in Digital Multimedia and Television Production. He has an interest in basketball, digital editing, and photography.

Sebastian is an emerging digital media producer with professional experience in videography and editing. After graduation, he plans to pursue entry-level roles in digital and broadcast production, focusing on visual storytelling and culturally relevant content for network television.