Illegally Crossing an Open Border: The Experiences of Venezuelan Women’s Journeys to Colombia Through Unauthorised Routes

Abstract

AbstractThis article aims to document the experiences of women crossing borders through unauthorised routes and the impact that migration policies have on their journeys. Using the case of Venezuelan migration to Colombia, it will argue that while the Colombian government claims to have an open border and welcomes Venezuelans without restrictions, there are gaps between this generous discourse and its implementation, forcing many migrants to enter the country through unauthorised points. This is especially so for women of low socioeconomic backgrounds and single mothers who must navigate policies devised with heteronormative assumptions about family composition. Drawing from the narratives of nine female migrants, the paper will conclude that contrary to existing literature, which identifies smugglers as the drivers of clandestine migration, female migrants may be actively involved in securing their journeys and can circumvent migration policies as a form of resistance.