Abstract

LIBERONA CONCHA, Nanette. From geopolitical borders to social boundaries: Bolivian migration through the Tarapacá press (1990-2007). Estud. front [online]. 2015, vol.16, n.32, pp.41-74. ISSN 2395-9134.

This article analyzes the relationships between national and Bolivian populations in the Tarapacá border region from the perspective of interethnic relations. Our interest in these interactions is based on both the historical bond between the two populations and the conflict between the countries on each side of the Chilean-Bolivian border. The image of Bolivian immigration and media accounts of trends on the subject during the last 17 years as presented by La Estrella de Iquique newspaper are studied through a qualitative content analysis. Consequently, a permanent stigmatization of immigration in general and Bolivian immigration in particular was identified on the part of both the authorities and civil society. Nonetheless, a call for solidarity toward immigration and the need to understand the phenomenon is raised in opposition to the need for a new immigration law.

Keywords : social boundaries; immigration in Chile; Bolivians in Tarapacá; border policy; migration policy.

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