Uruguay considers itself a nation of immigrants. However, the country that I moved to in 2000 hadnât seen significant inbound immigration since the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when Uruguay experienced a significant influx of European immigrants, mainly from Spain, Italy and Germany.
Uruguay felt pretty homogenous. And certainly as a foreigner, especially an English speaking one, I was asked constantly what I was doing in Uruguay âwhen we all want to go where you come fromâ.
However, in the last five or so years Uruguay has started to receive what I would refer to as a third wave of immigration coming, primarily from our neighboursâArgentina and Brazilâbut also from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Itâs now easy to find tropical fruits in a grocery store, thanks to these immigrants and youâll often hear Caribbean accents, especially when walking in the old city where I live.
As I mentioned in my article about my frustrations with Uruguay, well-turned-out friendly Venezuelans in particular have found roles front-of-desk in hospitality and service industries.
So what do you Uruguayans think about this? I was very curious when last month a survey came out which asked Uruguayans about their attitudes regarding immigrants and thought you would be too.
What Uruguayans think about foreigners
Hope youâre having a great weekend wherever you are in the world.
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