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Meta-Analyses of Labour-Market Impacts of Immigration: Key Conclusions and Policy Implications

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  • Simonetta Longhi

    (Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, England)

  • Peter Nijkamp

    (Department of Spatial Economics, VU University, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Jacques Poot

    (Population Studies Centre, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand)

Abstract

The number of immigrants across the world has doubled since 1980. The estimates of the impact of immigration on wages and employment in host countries are quantitatively small but vary widely. We summarize previous meta-analyses of the empirical literature and consider the implications for policy. We conclude that, on average, the impact on employment of the native born is smaller than on wages, while impacts are generally smaller in the US than in other countries studied to date. The variation in the estimates is related to the definition of the labour market, the extent of substitutability of foreign and native workers, and controls for endogeneity of immigrant settlement in statistical modelling. Policies enhancing labour-market flexibility, while at the same time improving immigrant economic integration, are likely to be effective in reducing transitory negative impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Simonetta Longhi & Peter Nijkamp & Jacques Poot, 2010. "Meta-Analyses of Labour-Market Impacts of Immigration: Key Conclusions and Policy Implications," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 28(5), pages 819-833, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:28:y:2010:i:5:p:819-833
    DOI: 10.1068/c09151r
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    References listed on IDEAS

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