A new approach to exploring agency in migration research: The case of south-to-south migration among Venezuelan youth

Abstract

Migration is a complex phenomenon shaping population dynamics and global development, driven by interconnected economic, political, and environmental factors. The Venezuelan migration crisis has overwhelmed South America’s social and health services, with many migrants lacking legal status and facing increased risks, especially among children, who confront barriers in education, limited healthcare access, and heightened vulnerability to exploitation and violence. Despite this, research often overlooks the agency and perspectives of young migrants, who are frequently excluded from decision-making processes. This article aims to address this gap by exploring the migration experiences of Venezuelan youth in Colombia, with a focus on their involvement in migration decisions, the emotional challenges they face, and their integration into a new society. Grounded in a constructivist approach, the study employed a multi-method technique based on the I-poem method to analyze 32 interviews with Venezuelan youth aged 12–17, who arrived in Colombia between 2019 and 2020 and currently reside in Bogotá or Medellín. As a result, the findings convey two poems—A New Life (Una Nueva Vida) and When Decided to Migrate (La Decisión de Migrar). Such poems were crafted from interview fragments, reflecting the young migrants’ personal and collective narratives. The study’s findings call for a shift toward a child-centered perspective in migration research, recognizing young migrants as active agents who navigate complex emotional, social, and cultural challenges. We advocate for incorporating youth voices in policy development to address their needs and recommend participatory methodologies for future research and policymaking to better protect and empower young migrants.