The role of mobile phones in the mediation of border crossings: A study of Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Abstract

This article draws upon recent work among Haitian migrants living at the Haitian-Dominican border in order to examine the role of mobile phones in cross-border movement in the region. Like other migrants and displaced populations, Haitians use technologies such as mobile phones to keep in touch with their families and maintain social relations as well as organising economic activities and the circulation of remittances. Yet the dependence of Haitian workers on geographic mobility for work and livelihood also requires developing and maintaining relationships across borders. The focus upon understanding relationships formed within and beyond the southern border region of Haiti and the Dominican Republic seeks to make ethnographically visible the role of the mobile phone in mediating different forms of mobility.

Syrian refugees and information precarity

“…A growing body of research examines the ways transnational populations—in particular, migrants and refugees—are using technologies such as cell phones in ways that may potentially change their social and economic lives (Archambault, 2011; Horst and Taylor, 2014). Transnational mobility has traditionally been viewed as producing isolation for those on the move; however, it is increasingly seen as more complicated than that.…”

Professional development of Syrian refugee women: proceeding with a career within education

“…Another study investigated how Syrian refugees were able to cope with insecurity and instability by using their mobile phones (Wall, Campbell, and Janbek 2015). Also, in a study of Haitian immigrants' use of mobile phones, social connections were examined, which showed how transnational ties were strengthened (Horst and Taylor 2014), since the use of mobiles allowed them to save time and complete their work. Further studies of well-being with migrants point out that; well-being is improved by mobile phones as migrants connect with their home and diasporic countries (Thomas and Lim 2010), physical and digital infrastructures are of the same importance to refugees (Gillespie et al 2016), and technology is opening pathways to education for refugees (Dahya and Dryden-Peterson 2016).…”

Sounds of Trauma

“…1. In border zones, the use of mobile phones also enables traders and divided families to overcome the border's restrictions, see Horst and Taylor (2014) On the list of moral and physical causes, see: https://www.westernsydney .edu.au/femaleorphanschool/home/rydalmere_psychiatric_hospital_1888_to_198 9 accessed on September 20, 2020.…”