Borders in the Age of Human Mobility

Abstract

This chapter tackles the importance of borders in migration management. The conceptualisation of migration policies, its concepts and methodologies are intrinsically related to the notion of the border. In an increasingly connected international society, border management has to deal with new challenges regarding human mobility. The most significant challenge to border management is on how to find a balance between security and facilitation. While guaranteeing the regular and legal flow of goods and people, border controls have to prevent illegal crossings and all kinds of illicit transnational flows. Border management represents an integrated approach to modern risk management and the deployment of border control and border surveillance strategies, to ensure internal security. In the collective imaginary, security and human rights are perceived as two opposing and contradictory concepts, which need to be demystified.