Migration and the implications of digitalization on the Brazil–Venezuela border

Abstract

This article analyses the digitalisation of migration governance on the Brazil–Venezuela border. This digitalisation process ensued after the 2018 border militarisation through Operação Acolhida [Operation Welcome] and the adoption of international models spurred by a border security narrative. Based on a qualitative methodology, which included observation, interviews and documentary research, we examined the implications of digitalising migration governance in two areas of Venezuelan migrants' experiences on the Brazil–Venezuela border: (1) control and surveillance of Venezuelans as they arrive and settle in Brazil and (2) access to services and training projects on Brazilian territory.