International Migration Review
Why are Exit Voices Louder? Exploring the Rise of “Migrant Influencers” From Hong Kong
2025-07-03
The literature on Hirschman's exit-voice dynamics has long argued that voice (protests) is more likely to be selected in public affairs. In nondemocratic regimes, however, the cost of voicing out is high so citizens opt for exit (emigration). This study identifies individuals who engage in “voices after exit” as “migrant influencers” who emigrate overseas for criticizing their home government. It analyzes prodemocracy influencers in Hong Kong, revealing that 70.7% (29 out of 41 YouTube channels) have chosen to emigrate overseas due to increasing political restrictions in recent years. In the post-National Security Law era, commentary on Taiwan politics has become more constrained. This study analyzes 1,414 YouTube videos outside Greater China to examine how migrant influencers frame (1) cross-strait relations, (2) Taiwan's domestic politics, and (3) Taiwan's future prospects. The findings show that influencers physically distant from Hong Kong adopt more radical stance against China. Drawing on the concept of “long-distance nationalism,” the study concludes that distance from their original location and perceived equal rights protection in their new location foster a sense of personal safety and obligation to criticize home authorities openly. This article presents preliminary findings to further explore the concept of migrant influencers.