Advanced Digital Technologies in Migration Management - A Review of Emerging Literature (2022)

What is this research about?

This research is about the use of advanced digital technologies (ADTs) in migration management. It explores how these technologies are being implemented and employed by state and non-state actors to manage migration processes, the types of technologies being used, their purposes, and the implications for migrants' rights, particularly privacy.

What do you need to know?

ADTs encompass a range of technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, big data, blockchain, automation, and biometric technologies. These technologies are increasingly integrated into migration management systems to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and manage data. However, their deployment raises significant concerns regarding privacy, security, and the potential for increased surveillance and control over migrants.

• Types of Technologies: It focuses on six categories of ADTs: Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, big data technologies, blockchain, automation, and biometric technologies.
• Purpose of Technologies: The technologies are primarily used for migration control (border surveillance, port-of-entry processing) and migration support.
• Migrants Impacted: The literature focuses on refugees/asylum seekers and illegalized migrants, with fewer studies on regular migrants.

What did the researchers do?

The study spans literature from 2010 to 2022 and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of ADTs in migration management, identifying trends, methodologies, and the impact on different migrant groups. The researchers conducted a structured review of both academic and grey literature on ADTs in migration management. The study examines various research methodologies used in the literature, including descriptive studies, case studies, qualitative and ethnographic methods, legal or policy-related document examinations, and experiments. They analyzed over 40 articles published between 2010 and 2022, using a snowball sampling approach to identify relevant sources.

What did the researchers find?

The findings reveal that ADTs are primarily used for two main purposes: migration control and migration support. Under migration control, technologies are often used for surveillance and managing border security, frequently framing migration as a security risk. For migration support, technologies aim to enhance the provision of services to migrants, such as through faster processing and better resource allocation. However, the literature predominantly discusses the negative impacts of these technologies, highlighting issues such as the potential for increased surveillance and the erosion of privacy. The review also notes a significant focus on certain migrant groups, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, while other migrant categories are less discussed.

• Research Trends: There is a dominance of descriptive research and case studies, with a significant focus on the United States and Europe. There is a lack of deep technical analysis of ADTs and limited experimental research.
• Technological Applications: IoT, AI, and biometric technologies are the most commonly discussed ADTs. There is minimal literature on cloud computing and blockchain in this context.
• Migration Control vs. Support: Most literature discusses the use of ADTs for migration control, often framing migration as a risk. Technologies for migration support are less discussed, although there are instances of ADTs being used to aid refugees and asylum seekers.
• Impact on Migrants: The focus is predominantly on refugees/asylum seekers and illegalized migrants, with little research on specific categories of regular migrants. The authors use "the terms illegalized migrant and illegalized migration to focus attention on the political and institutional processes, including the uses of ADTs, that render people illegal."

How can you use this research?

If you are a practitioner or policymaker in the field of migration management, this research can serve as a critical resource for understanding the landscape of ADTs in your field. It provides insights into how various technologies are being used, the implications for migrant rights, and the ethical considerations that must be addressed. The research can guide the development of policies that balance technological advancements with the protection of fundamental human rights. Additionally, it can help in advocating for transparent and responsible use of ADTs, ensuring that they support rather than undermine the rights and dignity of migrants.

This research is essential for anyone involved in migration management who is considering the implementation or evaluation of ADTs. It highlights the need for a careful and informed approach to integrating technology into migration practices, ensuring that it enhances rather than compromises the welfare and rights of migrants.

Specific ways you can use the research:

• Policy Development: Use insights from the research to inform policies that balance the efficiency of ADTs in migration management with the protection of migrant rights and privacy.
• Technology Implementation: Consider the ethical implications and ensure transparency and accountability when implementing ADTs.
• Future Research: Identify gaps in the current literature to guide future research, particularly in the areas of cloud computing, blockchain, and the impact of ADTs on regular migrants.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster collaboration between information scientists, engineers, social scientists, and policy experts to develop a deeper understanding of ADTs and their implications.
• Empirical Studies: Conduct empirical qualitative and ethnographic research to understand the real-world impacts of ADTs on various migrant groups and the effectiveness of these technologies in different contexts.