Government ideology and international migration* |
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Authors: | Vincenzo Bove Georgios Efthyvoulou Harry Pickard |
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Institution: | 1. University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK;2. University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DT UK;3. Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4SE UK |
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Abstract: | We provide the first empirical evidence that government ideology affects the choice of migration destinations. As ruling political parties differ in their discourse, policies, and positions on migration, the ideology differential between the host and home country governments can shape the relative generosity of the welfare system, the degree of tolerance towards out-groups, and the restrictiveness of migration policies, all acting as important drivers of international migration. Using data on bilateral migration and government ideology for OECD countries between 1990 and 2016, we show that migration flows increase when the government at the destination becomes more left-wing relative to the government at the origin, particularly when both countries are members of the European Economic Area. |
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Keywords: | Government ideology international migration migration choice OECD countries |
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