The Author argues that Latin America, along with other continental areas, is subjected to a "crisis in governing migration", due to effects that globalisation has on human mobility. The article begins by examining the characteristics of this crisis- the increase of undocumented migrants, the surge of social conflicts, the rise in human trafficking - and its close connection with changes that affect the normal authority, which, in the era of globalisation, the States have over the movement of people crossing their borders. Changes in migration patterns in Latin America are examined. A significant flow is still registered from Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America to the United States, showing a substantial continuity with the past. However, new migration flows begin to appear (e.g., Brazil to Japan) or to increase (e.g., migration towards Italy and Spain). Change in migration policies also reflects this ever-changing picture, one of the most important being the regional consultative process taking place in recent decades, particularly the "Puebla Process" and the "Southamerican Forum on Migration". As a matter of conclusion, a window is opened on possible developments and policy change after 11 September.

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governance approach immigration policy Latin America illegal immigrant