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Does an Inclusive Citizenship Law Promote Economic Development?

Author

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  • Imam Patrick Amir

    (International Monetary Fund, 700, 19th Street, NW, 20431, Washington, District of Columbia, USA)

  • Kpodar Kangni

    (International Monetary Fund and FERDI, 700, 19th Street, NW, 20431, Washington, District of Columbia, USA)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of citizenship laws on economic development. We first document the evolution of citizenship laws around the world, highlighting the main features of jus soli, jus sanguinis as well as mixed regimes, and shedding light on the channels through which they could have differentiated impact on economic development. We then compile a data set of citizenship laws around the world. Using cross-country regressions, panel-data techniques, as well as the synthetic control method and subjecting the results to a battery of tests, we find robust evidence that jus soli laws—being more inclusive—lead to higher income levels than alternative citizenship rules in developing countries, though to a less extent in countries with stronger institutional environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Imam Patrick Amir & Kpodar Kangni, 2021. "Does an Inclusive Citizenship Law Promote Economic Development?," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 17(1), pages 35-69, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:rlecon:v:17:y:2021:i:1:p:35-69:n:1
    DOI: 10.1515/rle-2019-0055
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    Cited by:

    1. Bertocchi, Graziella & Dimico, Arcangelo & Tedeschi, Gian Luca, 2022. "Strangers and Foreigners: Trust and Attitudes toward Citizenship," IZA Discussion Papers 15042, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Graziella Bertocchi & Angelo Dimico & Gian Luca Tedeschi, 2022. "Strangers and Foreigners: Trust and Attitudes toward Citizenship," Department of Economics 0200, University of Modena and Reggio E., Faculty of Economics "Marco Biagi".

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    citizenship laws; economic development; legal origin;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • K40 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - General
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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