A recent study identifies three key elements that explain how migrants maintain a connection to their country of origin, even when living thousands of miles from friends and family.
Buena Park, California, May 2026 – What do people miss most about home when living abroad? A new study by Ria Money Transfer explores this question and reveals three key elements that explain how millions of people maintain that connection in their daily lives.
The United States, the world’s leading destination for migrants, is home to more than 51 million foreign-born individuals, representing approximately 15% of the total population.
In this context, the latest Ria Money Transfer study and analysis focuses on how people stay connected to their country of origin despite the distance. We already know that the bond migrants share with their home countries involves sending money, but is there more to it?
“Sending money is only one part of the connection people maintain with their country of origin. There is also a cultural and social bond that remains present in their daily lives.”
This study identifies and dives deeper into the three fundamental pillars in this connection beyond sending a paycheck home to support loved ones thousands of miles away.
First, food is a key factor in how migrants stay connected to their home
The familiar smells and tastes of traditional recipes act as a direct link to a person’s roots, making it feel like home is right there in the kitchen, no matter how much distance is between them.
The study highlights examples such as Mexican tortillerías, where traditional processes are preserved, and Colombian and Venezuelan areperías, spaces where food retains its cultural meaning and reinforces a sense of belonging.
These shops and restaurants serve as community hubs where people gather to share stories and stay rooted in their heritage. They also allow individuals to pass down family traditions to the next generation and find a sense of comfort and familiarity within their local neighborhoods, making their culture a living part of their everyday lives.
Second, traditions tend to be a primary way migrants hold on to their culture
Celebrations, rituals, and festivities are another way migrants stay connected to their country of origin.
While many of these traditions adapt to a new environment, their meaning remains. This is the case with Día de los Muertos among Mexican communities or Diwali among Indian communities, which continue to be celebrated in cities across the United States.
Beyond the celebrations themselves, these moments bring people together, allowing them to share experiences and keep cultural practices alive.
Read the full report to discover the third, and possibly most important way migrants stay connected to their home
In addition to food and traditions, the recent Ria Money Transfer study highlights a third key element that shapes migrants’ daily lives in subtle ways. But what role does it play in maintaining that sense of connection?
The full report explores this aspect in more detail and how these three pillars evolve over time, particularly across generations.
About Ria Money Transfer
Ria Money Transfer is one of the world’s leading money transfer companies. With a presence in more than 190 countries and an extensive network of agents and locations, Ria Money Transfer provides fast, secure, and affordable solutions for sending and receiving money internationally.