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Does Immigration Affect Native Wages? A Meta-Analysis

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  • Clément Nedoncelle
  • Léa Marchal
  • Amandine Aubry
  • Jérôme Héricourt

Abstract

The impact of immigration on native workers’ wages has been a long-standing debate in labour and international economics. This meta-analysis synthesises findings from 88 studies published between 1985 and 2023, providing a comprehensive assessment of reduced-form estimates of the wage effect of immigration. Our results align with the existing literature, showing that the average wage effect is centred around zero, with substantial heterogeneity across studies. We highlight the critical role of contexts and methodological choices in shaping wage estimates. In particular, we find that shift-share instrumental variables correct for an upward bias of the OLS. Our findings emphasise the need for replication studies and greater transparency in methodological choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Clément Nedoncelle & Léa Marchal & Amandine Aubry & Jérôme Héricourt, 2025. "Does Immigration Affect Native Wages? A Meta-Analysis," Working Papers 2025-07, CEPII research center.
    • Handle: RePEc:cii:cepidt:2025-07
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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