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Does immigration affect native wages? A meta-analysis

Author

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  • Nedoncelle, Clément
  • Marchal, Léa
  • Aubry, Amandine
  • Héricourt, Jérôme

Abstract

The impact of immigration on native workers' wages has been a topic of long-standing debate. This meta-analysis reviews 42 studies published between 1987 to 2019, offering a comprehensive assessment of reduced-form estimates of the wage effect of immigration. The results confirm that immigration has a negligible effect on native wages. However, a more pronounced wage impact is observable for the U.S. and in recent years. Our analysis underscores the influence of methodological advances and increased data availability in shaping wage effect estimates. Results also highlight the role of the estimator (OLS vs. IV-2SLS, as well as the use of shift-share instruments) in determining the sign and magnitude of the estimated wage effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Nedoncelle, Clément & Marchal, Léa & Aubry, Amandine & Héricourt, Jérôme, 2024. "Does immigration affect native wages? A meta-analysis," KCG Working Papers 31, Kiel Centre for Globalization (KCG).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:kcgwps:281775
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Immigration; Labour Market; Meta-Analysis; Wage;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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