Artists such as Los Tigres del Norte, Calle 13, Ricardo Arjona, Adriel Favela and Gaby Moreno, among others, have used their music to narrate the immigrant experience through powerful and nostalgic lyrics.
When the immigration topic has taken center stage and has been a hot topic in U.S. politics, below are Latin immigrant anthems that pay homage to the immigrant’s journey.
Los Tigres del Norte, “La jaula de oro”: The legendary Mexican band, considered the voice of the Latin immigrant community, has recorded many songs that document the never-easy journey of the immigrant. “La jaula de oro” is one of the most popular ones that sings about an undocumented father who reminisces about his country, while his family has already forgotten about their native Mexico.
Calle 13, “Pa’l Norte”: The Puerto Rican band is known for expressing their solidarity with the immigrant community through their songs. Their single “Pa’l Norte” talks about the motivation to be a traveler of the world without boundaries.
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Los Tigres del Norte, “Somos más americanos”: Another powerful anthem that says immigrants aren’t invaders, just residents of a land that was divided by man. “I’m a foreigner in my own land and I’m not here to cause war, I am a hardworking man.”
Manu Chao, “Clandestino”: The French-born artist sings about being an undocumented immigrant who continuously has to hide in a place he considers home.
Gaby Moreno, “Ave que emigra”: The emotional lyrics to Moreno’s ballad talk about missing her native country of Guatemala. “I came from far away/ Searching for a blue sky following predicaments/ Memories of my childhood sometimes break my soul/ I never forget my Guatemala/ I always take her wih me.”
Juan Luis Guerra, “Visa para un sueño”: This song is about the harsh lifestyle that immigrants have to go through to achieve the “American dream.”
Luis Enrique, “Autobiografía”: The Nicaraguan singer and songwriter tells his story of being a foreigner since the age of 15 when he moved from Nicaragua to Tijuana searching for the promised land.
Bacilos, “El edificio”: The Colombian group explores the difficulties of getting adjusted to a new life in the States.
Rubén Blades, “Buscando América”: The Panamanian singer talks about going back to his native country where nothing is the same anymore.
El Tri, “El indocumentado”: Alex Lora, known as El Tri, tells the story of a Mexican immigrant who has had no success in the United States.
Ricardo Arjona, “Si el norte fuera sur”: Arjona explores the idea of no borders in his track “Si el norte fuera sur.”
Ricardo Arjona, “Mojado”: The Guatemalan singer/songwriter narrates the story of an immigrant who is ready to embark on his journey to cross the border in this norteña track featuring Intocable.
Calibre 50, “El inmigrante”: The Mexican regional group narrate the journey of a Mexican immigrant in their song, which in 2014 peaked at No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.
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Adriel Favela, “Me llamo Juan”: The Mexican-American’s single “Me llamo Juan” focuses on the story of “Juan,” the hard-working immigrant who crossed for a shot at the so-called American Dream.
Arthur Hanlon, “Que te vaya bien”: The pianist’s song was inspired by all of those who “leave their country, friends and family behind for another world searching for a better life.” (Arthur Hanlon is the husband of Billboard Latin editor Leila Cobo.)