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A Nation of Emigrants: Transatlantic Emigration and Italian National Identity

Author

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  • Coluccia, Davide
  • Lecce, Giampaolo
  • Ogliari, Laura

Abstract

We study how intergroup contact among immigrants shapes national identity formation within migrant communities and in their places of origin. We assemble a new dataset on Italian migrants to the U.S. between 1892 and 1924 by linking population census records to Ellis Island passenger lists, which report migrants’ municipalities of origin. In the U.S., exposure to more diverse Italian communities fosters shared national identity, as measured by national naming choices and intergroup marriage, while reducing assimilation into American society. In Italy, municipalities whose migrants were exposed to more diverse communities abroad exhibit lower cultural particularism. Our findings uncover a nation-building effect of intergroup contact within immigrant communities, extending from immigrant communities abroad to migrants’ places of origin.

Suggested Citation

  • Coluccia, Davide & Lecce, Giampaolo & Ogliari, Laura, 2026. "A Nation of Emigrants: Transatlantic Emigration and Italian National Identity," CEPR Discussion Papers 21928, Centre for Economic Policy Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21928
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • N32 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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