ARGENTINE-BRAZILIAN BORDER:

IS MIGRATION TO NORTHWESTERN RIO GRANDE DO SUL A STRUCTURAL OR CONJUNCTURAL PHENOMENON?

Abstract

This study investigates the increase in Argentine migration to the Northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul, aiming to understand whether this phenomenon is structural or conjunctural in nature. The research is based on a literature review, analysis of secondary data from the Observatory of International Migrations (OBMigra), and local news reports. Evidence points to a significant rise in migratory flows since 2022, driven by Argentina's economic crisis and the demand for labor in Brazil’s agribusiness and civil construction sectors. The theoretical analysis, grounded in functionalist and historical-structural paradigms, shows that while the functionalist view sees this flow as a natural labor market adjustment, the historical-structural approach highlights the precariousness and exploitation of migrants within a context of systemic inequality. Cases of informal and slave-like labor reveal the vulnerability of migrants, underscoring the need for more effective public policies for their social inclusion and labor protection. The study concludes that Argentine migration to the region combines both structural and conjunctural factors, demanding interdisciplinary approaches and government measures to ensure the dignified integration of these workers into the formal labor market and essential services.