This paper examines transit migration through the Darién Gap and the Mexico–Guatemala border, focusing on the commodification of migration, the transformative role of digital platforms, and the socio-economic impacts on local economies. Based on ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews conducted from 2021 to 2023, we explore how migration has evolved into a commodified journey where services and safety are bought and sold, often exploiting migrants’ vulnerabilities. We analyze how digital platforms have become essential tools for navigation and community building among migrants, yet also introduce new risks and inequalities. Our findings highlight the dual nature of local economic adaptations, which both capitalize on and are reshaped by the migratory flows, leading to significant economic and social transformations. The paper argues for a reevaluation of migration policies that integrates these elements and supports a migration governance framework that prioritizes human dignity and rights. Through exposing these dynamic and interlinked phenomena, we aim to contribute to a better understanding of migration that goes beyond traditional paradigms of border security and control, advocating for policies that are just, equitable, and respectful of human experiences and challenges.

中文翻译：

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商品化通道：达连峡和墨西哥-危地马拉边境的移民、市场和数字中介的民族志见解


本文研究了通过达连差距和墨西哥-危地马拉边境的过境移民，重点关注移民的商品化、数字平台的变革作用以及对当地经济的社会经济影响。基于 2021 年至 2023 年进行的民族志实地调查和深入访谈，我们探讨了移民如何演变为一种商品化旅程，其中服务和安全被买卖，往往利用了移民的脆弱性。我们分析了数字平台如何成为移民导航和社区建设的重要工具，但也带来了新的风险和不平等。我们的研究结果强调了当地经济适应的双重性质，它既利用移民流动，又被移民流动重塑，从而导致重大的经济和社会转型。该文件主张重新评估移民政策，整合这些要素，并支持优先考虑人类尊严和权利的移民治理框架。通过揭露这些动态且相互关联的现象，我们的目标是帮助人们更好地理解移民，超越传统的边境安全和控制范式，倡导公正、公平和尊重人类经验和挑战的政策。