From Emerging Innovation to Critical Infrastructure: The Evolution of Digital Immigration

Digital immigration has been assuming an increasingly relevant role in airport infrastructure, driven by the increase in passenger flow and the adoption of biometric systems, such as e-Gates and facial recognition. This article presents an exploratory literature review on international practices in recent years, a period marked by the implementation of the European Entry/Exit System, immigration clearance without a passport in Singapore, and biometric expansion in the United States. The comparative analysis identifies three predominant implementation models, oriented to security, operational efficiency and technological innovation, which share a central dilemma between efficiency and data protection. Challenges related to privacy, algorithmic bias and governance are also discussed, as well as their implications for the Brazilian context. It is concluded that the consolidation of digital immigration requires balancing technological innovation, regulatory compliance and protection of fundamental rights.