This article addresses an experience in the construction of knowledge shared by the academic sector and the State regarding Colombia's migration policy in response to Venezuelan immigration. It presents the methodological process used by the First National Meeting of Border Departments (ENALDEF) and prepared by the Research Network on Border Affairs (RIAF). The methods used in ENALDEF were social mapping, the application of a SWOT matrix, focus groups and the mapping of policies and programs, which were configured as participatory and flexible scenarios. The border is conceived as a place where citizen participation contributes to creating a binational vision and an imaginary loaded with unique elements that require special attention from the State and academia, given its historical tendency to precariousness.