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The impact of legalizing unauthorized immigrants

Author

Listed:
  • Cynthia Bansak

    (St Lawrence University, USA, and IZA, Germany)

  • Sarah Pearlman

    (Vassar College, USA)

Abstract

Countries have adopted a variety of legalization programs to address unauthorized immigration. Research in the US finds improved labor market outcomes for newly authorized immigrants. Findings are more mixed for European and Latin American countries where informal labor markets play a large role and programs are often small scale. Despite unclear labor market outcomes and mixed public support, legalization will likely continue to be widely used. Comprehensive legislation can address the complex nature of legalization on immigrants and on native-born residents.

Suggested Citation

  • Cynthia Bansak & Sarah Pearlman, 2021. "The impact of legalizing unauthorized immigrants," IZA World of Labor, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), pages 245-245, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izawol:journl:2021:n:245
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Neeraj Kaushal, 2006. "Amnesty Programs and the Labor Market Outcomes of Undocumented Workers," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 41(3).
    2. Gianmarco I. P. Ottaviano & Giovanni Peri, 2021. "Rethinking The Effect Of Immigration On Wages," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Firms and Workers in a Globalized World Larger Markets, Tougher Competition, chapter 9, pages 245-290, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    3. Cynthia Bansak & Steven Raphael, 2001. "Immigration Reform and the Earnings of Latino Workers: Do Employer Sanctions Cause Discrimination?," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 54(2), pages 275-295, January.
    4. Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes & Miguel A. Malo & Fernando Muñoz-Bullón, 2013. "New Evidence on the Impact of Legal Status on Immigrant Labor Market Performance: The S panish Case," LABOUR, CEIS, vol. 27(1), pages 93-113, March.
    5. Sherrie A. Kossoudji & Deborah A. Cobb-Clark, 2002. "Coming out of the Shadows: Learning about Legal Status and Wages from the Legalized Population," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 20(3), pages 598-628, July.
    6. Devillanova, Carlo & Fasani, Francesco & Frattini, Tommaso, 2014. "Employment of Undocumented Immigrants and the Prospect of Legal Status: Evidence from an Amnesty Program," IZA Discussion Papers 8151, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    7. Amelie F. Constant & Klaus F. Zimmermann (ed.), 2013. "International Handbook on the Economics of Migration," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 4026.
    8. Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes & Cynthia Bansak, 2011. "The Impact of Amnesty on Labor Market Outcomes: A Panel Study Using the Legalized Population Survey," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(3), pages 443-471, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ming Tian & Qingwen Xu & Zhigang Li & Yang Yu, 2022. "Hukou Reform and the “Luohu” of Rural Migrants in Urban China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-10, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    legalization; regularization; immigration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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