Student Spotlight on Gloria Mangoni: Uncovering the Motivations Behind Migrants' Decision to Settle in Maine

In recent decades, immigrants have increasingly moved beyond traditional gateway cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami to settle in smaller cities, suburban areas, and rural communities— often referred to as "new destinations. Immigrants move to new destinations in the U.S. for several reasons, driven by economic, social, and policy factors. However, who could have predicted that Maine, long one of the least diverse states in the United States (U.S.), would experience such a significant demographic shift to become a multicultural state? According to the U.S. Census, approximately 68,071 migrants resettled in Maine between 2010 to 2023. This seemingly modest statistic has sparked a surge of debate and scrutiny in both the media and academic spheres, drawing attention to this small, quiet, rural state nestled in one of the most overlooked corners of the nation.

Highlighting the complexities of Maine's demographic changes, Gloria Mangoni, a Ph.D. student in Rural Sociology and International Agriculture and Development, raised critical questions about this shift: “Who are the new residents moving to Maine, and what motivates their decision to settle there? Where do they come from, what role have local institutions play in this transition, and how are newly arrived immigrants managing the challenges of integrating into their new communities?”

Gloria has embarked on a quest to answer these questions, aiming to understand the factors influencing migrants' destination choices and the role of local institutions in supporting their integration. Her research seeks to illuminate the economic, social, cultural, political, and policy factors driving immigrants to Maine, as well as the institutional responses to this demographic shift, the challenges faced by newcomers, and their contributions to their new environment’s sustainability.

Based on preliminary interviews with a sample of newly arrived immigrants and non-profit organization leaders in the Portland area during her recent fieldwork, Gloria noticed that an increasing number of migrants, including those from conflict-prone countries like Angola, Congo, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, and Syria, have been arriving in Maine fleeing political instability, violence, and economic hardship in their home countries to seek better opportunities for education, work, and a safe environment for their families. However, it remains unclear why these individuals have chosen to move to the northern part of the United States, specifically Maine.

Gloria hypothesizes that the change in the demographic landscape of Maine has unfolded due to several key factors, including the state's relatively welcoming policies toward migrants and refugees, low cost of living, and the support systems that have been established to assist newcomers in integrating into American society. Additionally, she argued the state's aging population has created a demand for workers in healthcare, agriculture, seafood processing, and other service industries, opening doors of employment for many migrants or newcomers.

With her research still in its early stages, Gloria intends to develop survey instruments and interview protocols to explore these questions in depth. Her goal is to gather culturally sensitive data that can inform policies at national, regional, and local levels, particularly in states experiencing population growth driven by immigrant communities, whether from within the state, interstate, or international migration.

Gloria explains “My research will shed light on the policies and efforts that can support immigrants in their transition to states undergoing population changes. As these immigrant groups grow, understanding their specific needs and contributions will help tailor policies that meet the unique aspects of this demographic, including economic, educational, and social needs.”

Gloria Ndindir Mangoni is a PhD student in Rural Sociology and International Agriculture and Development mentored by Dr. Leland Luther Glenna in the Department of Agriculture, Economics, Sociology, and Education. Gloria is seeking funding to support the second phase of her field trip in early 2025.

This article was written by Edward Amoah, a fellow in the INSECT NET program and a PhD student mentored by Drs. Christina Grozinger and Erica Smithwick in the Departments of Entomology and Geography, respectively. It was prepared as part of the INSECT NET Science Communication workshop series coordinated by Drs. Christina Grozinger and Natalie Boyle during summer 2024.