The Use of Social Networks as a Tool for the Integration of Immigrants and Refugees: The Case of the Migratory Governance Network of Porto Alegre-Rs, Brazil

Globally, we are facing a humanitarian crisis related to the deprivation of human rights, which is having a significant impact on the number of forced international migrations. Very often immigrants and refugees face cultural and linguistic barriers in their host countries. These barriers can have implications for the integration of this population group into local society, as well as hindering the actions and projects designed by local migration governance networks. In this sense, communication is a challenge on two different levels. However, social networks can be strategic tools that can help facilitate the reception of immigrants and their integration, while also impacting on social cohesion. In this sense, this qualitative case study carried out in the city of Porto Alegre in 2024 aimed to understand how social networks can facilitate the overcoming of barriers that occur in the daily life of a local migratory governance network. To this end, in-depth interviews were conducted with actors in the local governance network (from the public sector, NGOs, universities, immigrants and experts), document analysis and non-participant observations. It was observed that social networks are used for information, awareness-raising, mobilization and communication purposes. It can be seen that there is a gap in the use of technology, especially on the part of immigrants, who often don't have the knowledge and infrastructure necessary to access and take advantage of electronic digital government services, for example. Immigrants usually prefer to receive information via Whatsapp audios, as it makes it easier for refugees to communicate orally in their native language. WhatsApp is perceived as the main tool for assisting immigrants, as it allows them to send documents and communicate quickly and cheaply; it is the preferred means of communication in social participation spaces. Instagram and Facebook are used to raise awareness and inform through the dissemination of activities and awareness campaigns, increasing the visibility of migration issues and asking for fundraising. Instagram is also a tool for mobilization and fundraising through influencers and public figures. X (formerly Twitter) is used to report on specific actions and give visibility to advocacy actions. A strategic use of social networks facilitates access to public services and information, especially for migrants who face access problems, both in terms of language and technology. However, it is also necessary to think about guaranteeing data security, especially sensitive data, and avoiding the spread of misinformation.