He risked his life to reach the Canary Islands, but getting there was only the start

By Miguel Macias

Published October 11, 2025 at 5:38 PM EDT

After surviving a dangerous sea crossing, many migrants who reach Spain's Canary Islands find themselves stranded for months, unable to work and clinging to the hope that life will be better once they reach mainland Spain.

NPR News

Miguel Macias

Miguel Macias is a Senior Producer at All Things Considered, where he is proud to work with a top-notch team to shape the content of the daily show.

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of 'Annie Hall' and 'The Godfather,' dies at 79

The Associated Press

The actor, known for her quirky, vibrant manner and depth was 79. Across her decades-long career, she worked with prominent filmmakers including Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen and Nancy Meyers.
NPR News

Trump slashes mental health agency as shutdown drags on

Geoff Brumfiel

Sources tell NPR that more than 100 employees have been laid off at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had some cuts reversed late Saturday.
Diane Keaton, beloved actress and style icon, dies at 79

Andrew Limbong

Diane Keaton has died at 79 — the Oscar-winning actress was known for Annie Hall and The Godfather films. New Yorker critic Michael Schulman reflects on her career and enduring influence.
How puppets from Chile became NPR's newest Tiny Desk sensation

Andrew Limbong

Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre tells the story of how Chilean puppet show 31 Minutos became an international sensation after their Tiny Desk performance.
Eighteen missing after explosion at Tennessee explosives plant

Cindy Abrams

Cynthia Abrams with NPR Member station WPLN reports from Humphreys County, where officials say at least 18 people are missing and feared dead after an explosion at a military explosives plant.