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Trading Off Openness: Economic Information and Immigration Policy Preferences

Author

Listed:
  • Cristina Cattaneo
  • Daniela Grieco
  • Nicola Lacetera
  • Mario Macis

Abstract

We conducted a survey experiment with over 8,000 participants in Germany, Hungary and Italy to examine how information about the economic impact of immigration affects the support for more open immigration policies. Respondents who received projections showing higher future incomes under more open immigration policies reported greater support for these policies. The treatment also partly changed how prior attitudes affected policy preferences. Structural estimates suggest that majority support for immigration above current levels would require annual per-capita income gains of about 1.2% in Italy and 1.7% in Germany, and still larger or unattainable gains in Hungary. These increases are large relative to recent historical growth rates, suggesting that economic benefits alone are unlikely to generate vast support for more open immigration policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Cattaneo & Daniela Grieco & Nicola Lacetera & Mario Macis, 2026. "Trading Off Openness: Economic Information and Immigration Policy Preferences," CESifo Working Paper Series 12879, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12879
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C99 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Other
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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