Working Paper: NBER ID: w30079
Authors: Alberto Alesina; Marco Tabellini
Abstract: We review the growing literature on the political economy of immigration. First, we discuss the effects of immigration on a wide range of political and social outcomes. The existing evidence suggests that immigrants often, but not always, trigger backlash, increasing support for anti-immigrant parties and lowering preferences for redistribution and diversity among natives. Next, we unpack the channels behind the political effects of immigration, distinguishing between economic and non-economic forces. In examining the mechanisms, we highlight important mediating factors, such as misperceptions, the media, and the conditions under which inter-group contact occurs. We also outline promising avenues for future research.
Keywords: Immigration; Political Economy; Populism; Cultural Effects; Economic Effects
JEL Codes: D72; J15; J61; Z1
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| immigration (F22) | backlash among natives (J15) |
| backlash among natives (J15) | increased support for anti-immigrant parties (F55) |
| backlash among natives (J15) | decrease in preferences for redistribution (D39) |
| characteristics of immigrants (J61) | variation in backlash among natives (J15) |
| misinformation and stereotypes (Z13) | distorted views of immigrants among natives (J15) |
| media portrayals and political entrepreneurs (D72) | exacerbation of distorted views of immigrants (K37) |
| intergroup contact under certain conditions (C92) | improved attitudes towards diversity among natives (J15) |
| economic concerns (P36) | shaping political responses to immigration (K37) |
| cultural factors and misperceptions (Z13) | shaping political responses to immigration (K37) |