Throughout history, migration has been a fundamental part of human development, presenting with it many opportunities and challenges for both individuals and States. Over the last 50 years, the share of migrants among the world population has remained relatively stable, rising from 2.3 percent in 1970 to 3.6 percent in 2020. As the global population has increased, the number of migrants has also grown significantly – from 84 million in 1970 to 281 million in 2020 – along with unequal distribution across regions. Coupled with increasingly complex drivers of migration, such as climate change, this has led to a growing understanding that the consequences of cross-border movements must be better addressed, and that the economic, social and cultural benefits of international migration must be more effectively realized. In Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing the root causes of migration – such as poverty, political instability, and crime and violence – is crucial in creating sustainable solutions and reducing the pressures that drive people to migrate irregularly. However, this work alone cannot reduce migrant flows in the short term and today’s migration challenges require both a focus on long-term sustainable development, as well as an approach to governance that meets the more immediate needs of individuals and States. Parliamentarians, through their oversight, legislative, and representative responsibilities, can play a crucial role in governing the movement of people and promoting rights-based policies to support migrants in all their diversity.