Irene de la Torre Arenas

Where do Spaniards live in the US

When Spaniards discuss migration, they typically view it from the perspective of Spain being the destination. However, Spaniards can also be immigrants: whether they experienced exile decades ago or pursued better job opportunities abroad to navigate financial crises.

Even today, many continue to travel to broaden their professional and personal horizons. They are the fortunate ones who choose to live an adventure beyond their homeland.

I never thought I would be an immigrant myself. But in 2015, I became one when I relocated to Boston to pursue a Master of Fine Arts. Seeking to understand my experience, I became fascinated by the Electoral Census of Spaniards Residing Abroad (CERA), where Spanish nationals must register if they plan to live outside Spain for more than a year. Suddenly, I became a number.

Migration is a multifaceted experience, offering both freedom and loneliness. It provides an opportunity for reinvention, away from the constraints of familiarity. It is a time of discovery, not only for oneself but also for those who become part of the journey: friends, family, or colleagues, among many others. Together, we navigate the nuances of what we miss from home, what remains unchanged, and what is better in our new home. Migration is not a binary experience —it exists in shades of gray.

To provide a wider representation of this view, I reached out to fellow Spaniards who currently live or have lived across different parts of the United States. I asked them about what they missed from Spain and their newfound joys.

This infographic delves into the complexities of Spanish migration in the United States: from the cold statistical data to the challenges and achievements of those who embark on the journey of seeing how their culture intersects with another.