Migration is currently one of the most controversial public and social policy issues in Latin America. Latin American countries are not prepared to face this phenomenon, and thus face several challenges. The government is often unable to provide accurate information about the number of migrants, or offer services that ensure their dignity and rights, much less policies that will help them successfully integrate into their new lives. Migration is often used as a scapegoat for other problems in host societies. This scenario is further complicated by measures to restrict the entry of foreigners due to the ongoing challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this context, a better understanding of how data and open data approaches can address historical imbalances and support inclusion is crucial. This will hopefully contribute to understanding the current state and building better public policies for both migrant reception and diaspora management. María Esther Cervantes explores this topic and more information on her progress can be found here.