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Language Training and Refugees’ Integration

Author

Listed:
  • Jacob Nielsen Arendt

    (The Rockwool Foundation’s Research Unit)

  • Iben Bolvig

    (The Danish Center for Social Science Research (VIVE))

  • Mette Foged

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Linea Hasager

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Giovanni Peri

    (University of California, Davis)

Abstract

We evaluate a Danish reform focused on improving Danish language training for those granted refugee status on or after January 1, 1999. Using a Regression Discontinuity Design we find a significant, permanent, positive effect on earnings. This effect emerged after completion of language classes and was accompanied by additional schooling and higher probability of working in communication-intensive jobs, suggesting that language training, rather than other minor aspects of the reform, produced it. We also find evidence of higher completion rates of lower secondary school and lower probability of crime for male children with both parents exposed to the reform.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob Nielsen Arendt & Iben Bolvig & Mette Foged & Linea Hasager & Giovanni Peri, 2021. "Language Training and Refugees’ Integration," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 2104, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    • Handle: RePEc:crm:wpaper:2104
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    Cited by:

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    2. Hangartner, Dominik & Sarvimäki, Matti & Spirig, Judith, 2021. "Managing Refugee Protection Crises: Policy Lessons from Economics and Political Science," IZA Discussion Papers 14821, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Hai‐Anh H. Dang & Trong‐Anh Trinh & Paolo Verme, 2023. "Do refugees with better mental health better integrate? Evidence from the Building a New Life in Australia longitudinal survey," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(12), pages 2819-2835, December.
    4. Zenou, Yves & Boucher, Vincent & Tumen, Semih & Vlassopoulos, Michael & Wahba, Jackline, 2020. "Ethnic Mixing in Early Childhood: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment and a Structural Model," CEPR Discussion Papers 15528, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    5. Matti Sarvimäki & Hanna Pesola, 2022. "Intergenerational Spillovers of Integration Policies: Evidence from Finland’s Integration Plans," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 2212, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    6. Pesola, Hanna Onerva & Sarvimäki, Matti, 2022. "Intergenerational Spillovers of Integration Policies: Evidence from Finland’s Integration Plans," IZA Discussion Papers 15310, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Refugee Integration; Language Skills; Regression Discontinuity; Second Generation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J60 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - General
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • E64 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Incomes Policy; Price Policy
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General

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