The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics?

Alberto Alesina and Marco Tabellini

Journal of Economic Literature, 2024, vol. 62, issue 1, 5-46

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 noneconomic forces. In examining the mechanisms, we highlight important mediating factors, such as misperceptions, the media, and the conditions under which intergroup contact occurs. We also outline promising avenues for future research.

JEL-codes: D72 H23 J11 J15 K37 R23 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Related works:
Working Paper: The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics? (2022)
Working Paper: The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics? (2021)
Working Paper: The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics? (2020)
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DOI: 10.1257/jel.20221643

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