OVERVIEW OF THE COLOMBIA-PANAMA BORDER: MIGRATION FLOWS AND ILLEGALITY IN THE DARIEN

Abstract

This paper aims to study the current flow of migrations from Colombia to Panama, both legal and illegal. In order to achieve this, several factors that drive migration have been identified in populations from Colombia and other countries, as well as their social and legal situation while crossing the border. Additionally, this paper analyzes in depth the logic and dynamics of migrant smuggling in the border area, highlighting the fact that migratory policy in Panama and Colombia emphasize national security risks rather than the vulnerability of these populations.