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Integrating Immigrants as a Tool for Broad Development

Cátia Batista

Nova School of Business and Economics, CReAM, IZA, J-PAL, and NOVAFRICA

Lara Bohnet

Department of Economics – New York University

Jules Gazeaud

J-PAL MENA, The American University in Cairo, and NOVAFRICA

Julia Seither

Department of Economics, Universidad del Rosario; JILAEE and NOVAFRICA

 

ISSN 2183-0843
Working Paper No 2205
October 2022

Revised in June 2024

Abstract:

International migration can contribute importantly to sustainable economic growth. The effects of migration for both origin and host countries, however, depend on immigrant integration. We experimentally evaluate the impact of information and migrants’ aspirations on immigrant integration using a field experiment among Cape Verdean immigrants in Portugal. The interventions promote integration outcomes such as migration status regularization and better-quality employment of migrants. They furthermore affect those left behind. While the impact on material remittances is muted, targeting migrant integration barriers improves some dimensions of political participation and increases support for gender equity in origin countries.

 

Download this Working Paper here.