A recent study identifies three key elements that explain how migrants preserve a strong connection to their country of origin, even while living thousands of miles away from family and friends.
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 uncovers three essential factors that help millions of people maintain that connection in their everyday lives.
The United States, the world’s leading destination for migrants, is home to more than 51 million foreign-born residents, accounting for approximately 15% of the country’s total population.
Against this backdrop, the latest Ria Money Transfer research examines how people remain connected to their homeland despite geographical distance. While remittances are often viewed as the primary link between migrants and their countries of origin, the study asks a broader question: is there more to that relationship?
For many migrants, maintaining a connection to their country of origin is not simply a matter of nostalgia. Research has consistently shown that cultural ties can play an important role in emotional well-being, community integration, and the preservation of personal identity. Whether through language, food, family traditions, or social networks, these connections often help people navigate the challenges of building a life in a new country.
At the same time, these bonds evolve over the years. First-generation migrants may actively seek out cultural experiences that remind them of home, while younger generations often develop a blended identity shaped by both their family’s heritage and the culture of the country in which they grow up. As a result, the ways people stay connected can differ significantly across communities and generations.
“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.”
The report identifies and explores three fundamental pillars that strengthen this relationship beyond financial support for loved ones living far away.
First, food plays a central role in helping migrants stay connected to their roots
The familiar aromas and flavors of traditional dishes serve as a direct bridge to a person’s heritage, creating a sense of home regardless of the distance.
The study highlights examples such as Mexican tortillerías, where traditional production methods are preserved, as well as Colombian and Venezuelan areperías, spaces where cuisine retains its cultural significance and reinforces a shared sense of identity.
These businesses often become gathering places where communities come together, exchange stories, and celebrate their heritage. They also help pass family customs on to younger generations while offering a sense of familiarity and belonging within local neighborhoods, keeping cultural traditions alive in everyday life.
Beyond their culinary appeal, these establishments frequently contribute to local economies and cultural diversity. They introduce traditional ingredients, recipes, and customs to broader audiences, helping preserve cultural heritage while fostering greater understanding between communities.
Second, traditions remain one of the strongest ways migrants preserve their culture
Celebrations, rituals, and cultural festivities provide another important connection to migrants’ countries of origin.
Although many of these customs evolve and adapt to new surroundings, their significance endures. This can be seen in celebrations such as Día de los Muertos within Mexican communities and Diwali among Indian communities, both of which continue to be widely observed in cities across the United States.
Beyond the festivities themselves, these occasions bring people together, creating opportunities to share experiences, strengthen community ties, and keep cultural practices alive for future generations.
For many families, these celebrations also serve as an opportunity to pass traditions from one generation to the next. Through shared meals, music, religious ceremonies, and community events, younger family members gain a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage and family history.
Together, food and traditions illustrate how cultural identity is sustained across borders. Yet the study suggests that these visible expressions of heritage are only part of a broader picture. A third factor, often present in everyday routines and personal relationships, may be even more influential in helping migrants maintain a lasting connection to home.
Read the full report to discover the third, and perhaps most important, way migrants stay connected to home
Alongside food and traditions, the recent Ria Money Transfer study identifies a third key factor that influences migrants’ lives in subtle but meaningful ways. But what role does it play in preserving that sense of belonging?
The full report examines this dimension in greater depth and explores how these three pillars evolve over time, particularly across different generations.
Discover the complete findings and learn how migrants continue to nurture meaningful connections with their roots while building new lives abroad.
About Ria Money Transfer
Ria Money Transfer is one of the world’s leading money transfer companies. With operations in more than 190 countries and a vast network of agents and locations, Ria Money Transfer delivers fast, secure, and affordable solutions for sending and receiving money internationally.
