Mobility and migration policies in Latin America in times of COVID-19

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of human mobility and migration policies in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. First, it reviews certain specific situations that threaten mobile populations in this setting, such as forced immobility, deportations in hazardous conditions and the dangers associated with irregular- mobility. Second, it notes that the health emergency reached Latin America at a time when immigration was being politicised, regional coordination was weak and there were issues with the protection of foreigners’ social rights. Third, it examines the persistent vulnerability in such circumstances of Latin America’s migrant population and concludes by emphasising the urgent need to implement migration regularisation policies.

Keywords

• américa latina
• covid-19
• migración
• políticas migratorias
• regularización