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Life Out of the Shadows: the Impacts of Regularization Programs on the Lives of Forced Migrants

Author

Listed:
  • Ana María Ibáñez
  • Andrés Moya
  • María Adelaida Ortega
  • Sandra V Rozo
  • Maria José Urbina

Abstract

We examine the well-being effects of a regularization program offered to half a million Venezuelan forced migrants in Colombia. We collected data on more than 2000 such migrants and compared the well-being of those who arrived in Colombia before and after the date that defined program eligibility. Since this date was announced ex-post and was unknown to the public, we could credibly evaluate the program’s impact. We find that program beneficiaries experienced large improvements in well-being, including consumption per capita (a gain of 48%), monthly labor income (an increase of 22%), and health status (an increment of 1.2 standard deviations). These positive outcomes largely stemmed from improved access to services, particularly the social protection system, subsidized healthcare system, and financial services. We also find that the fiscal costs incurred by the Colombian government for a regularized migrant household are lower than those for an irregular migrant household.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana María Ibáñez & Andrés Moya & María Adelaida Ortega & Sandra V Rozo & Maria José Urbina, 2025. "Life Out of the Shadows: the Impacts of Regularization Programs on the Lives of Forced Migrants," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 23(3), pages 941-982.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jeurec:v:23:y:2025:i:3:p:941-982.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jeea/jvae044
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    2. Amuedo-Dorantes,Catalina & Ibáñez,Ana María & Rozo Villarraga,Sandra Viviana & Traettino,Salvador, 2023. "More Benefits, Fewer Children: How Regularization Affects Immigrant Fertility," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10431, The World Bank.
    3. María Eugenia Dávalos & Luz Karine Ardila Vargas & Andres Garcia-Suaza, 2023. "Barriers to the Integration of Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees in Colombia," Documentos de Trabajo 20822, Universidad del Rosario.
    4. Salvador Traettino, 2022. "Migraci√≥n forzada y finanzas p√∫blicas locales: Evidencia de los municipios en Colombia," Documentos CEDE 20335, Universidad de los Andes, Facultad de Economía, CEDE.
    5. García-Suaza, Andres & Mondragón-Mayo, Angie & Sarango-Iturralde, Alexander, 2025. "From Exodus to Employment: Labor Market Transitions and the Role of Work Permits in Colombia," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1606, Global Labor Organization (GLO).

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