The United States will host the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles from June 6-10. The Summit is expected to address the topic of migration, and the Biden administration plans to sign a hemispheric declaration on migration and protection.

The administration’s focus on migration and protection at the Summit reflects the reality facing the region. In recent years, we have seen changes in demographics, routes, and destination countries for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. In response to migration flows, governments in Latin America and the U.S. have been shifting their policies and practices through new visa requirements, border security and enforcement efforts, cooperation to address the root causes of migration, humanitarian assistance, and programs focused on protection and other legal pathways.

Given the dramatic shifts in the dynamics of migration to, from, and through the Western Hemisphere, WOLA examines recent trends in human mobility and the challenges migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face beyond the Mexico-U.S. border.

How have regional migration trends changed in recent years?
Where are people staying?
How have countries in Latin America responded to changes in migration trends?
What are the impacts of stricter enforcement?
What is the United States doing?
What coordinated efforts have addressed the region-wide need for migrant protections?
What should governments do?