In the prevailing discourse surrounding migration, a narrative frequently emerges, painting a grim picture of exploitation and victimization at the hands of vast criminal networks. This perspective, heavily echoed in media and policy circles, suggests a world where migrants, particularly the most vulnerable among them, are ensnared in a web spun by omnipotent traffickers and smugglers. Yet, this narrative, while rooted in elements of truth, overshadows a crucial aspect of the migrant experience: the agency of these minors—namely, their ability to make independent choices and exert control over their own lives, even in adverse conditions.

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