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Location choices of undocumented migrants: Does access to higher public education matter?

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  • Richard J. Cebula
  • Mpaza Kapembwa
  • Usha Nair‐Reichert

Abstract

We examine the impact of differences in state‐level higher education policies on location choices of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. using six years of available data over the period 2000 to 2012. The effect of greater access to higher education on the percentage of undocumented migrants residing in a state is positive, suggesting the existence of a “higher public education magnet” effect. Among states with favorable higher education policies, undocumented migrants prefer those states with larger networks, despite the likelihood of greater competition for admission to public institutions of higher education. However, undocumented migrants are reluctant to locate in states that have both large networks and unfavorable educational policies. This is possibly because the fear of attracting additional restrictive regulations dominates the positive cost‐saving effect of large networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard J. Cebula & Mpaza Kapembwa & Usha Nair‐Reichert, 2021. "Location choices of undocumented migrants: Does access to higher public education matter?," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(1), pages 167-194, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:growch:v:52:y:2021:i:1:p:167-194
    DOI: 10.1111/grow.12462
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles M. Tiebout, 1956. "A Pure Theory of Local Expenditures," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 64(5), pages 416-416.
    2. Cebula, Richard & Nair-Reichert, Usha, 2014. "Access to Higher Public Education and Locational Choices of Undocumented Migrants," MPRA Paper 57277, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    10. Usha Nair-Reichert & Richard Cebula, 2015. "Access to Higher Public Education and Location Choices of Undocumented Migrants: An Exploratory Analysis," International Advances in Economic Research, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 21(2), pages 189-199, May.
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    15. Richard Cebula & Usha Nair-Reichert, 2015. "Erratum to: Access to Higher Public Education and Location Choices of Undocumented Migrants: An Exploratory Analysis," International Advances in Economic Research, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 21(3), pages 335-345, August.
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