Building on Regular Pathways to Address Migration Pressures in the Americas

Human mobility has increased in the Western Hemisphere, due in part to a series of large-scale displacement crises. In response, many countries have been experimenting with new legal pathways to incentivize safe, orderly migration, while also tightening restrictions on irregular movement. Even with this policy experimentation, however, governments are struggling to effectively manage migration pressures, as demonstrated by persistent high levels of irregular migration that have challenged destination and transit countries alike.

Understanding the tapestry of regular migration pathways that exists in the Americas, and what those pathways’ strengths and weaknesses are, is critical amid ongoing national and international policy conversations about how to address migration pressures.

This report maps the legal pathways that exist in the hemisphere at present, including those created by regional mobility and residence agreements, visa and circular labor migration policies, and humanitarian protection measures. The analysis highlights commonalities and differences, notable limitations, and ways in which these pathways could be improved or expanded to offer viable alternatives to irregular movement and thus fit within governments’ aspirations to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration.

Para leer este reporte en español, haga clic aquí.