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Individual attitudes towards skilled migration: an empirical analysis across countries

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  • Mayda, Anna Maria
  • Facchini, Giovanni

Abstract

It is commonly argued that skilled immigration benefits the destination country through several channels. Yet, only a small group of countries reports to have policies in place aimed at increasing the intake of skilled immigrants. Why? In this paper we analyze the factors that affect a direct measure of individual attitudes towards skilled migration, focusing on two main channels: the labor market and the welfare state. We find that more educated natives are less likely to favor skilled immigration - consistent with the labor-market channel - while richer people are more likely to do so - in accordance with the welfare state channel under the tax adjustment model. Our findings thus suggest that the labor market competition threat perceived by skilled natives in the host countries might be driving the observed cautious policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Mayda, Anna Maria & Facchini, Giovanni, 2009. "Individual attitudes towards skilled migration: an empirical analysis across countries," CEPR Discussion Papers 7592, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:7592
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    1. Giovanni Peri & Francesc Ortega, 2009. "The Causes and Effects of International Migrations: Evidence from OECD Countries 1980-2005," Working Papers 78, University of California, Davis, Department of Economics.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Skilled immigration; Attitudes; Immigration policy; Political economy;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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