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Frontier Issues of the Political Economy of Migration

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  • Gil S. Epstein

    (Department of Economics, Bar-Ilan University, Israel IZA, Bonn and CReAM, London)

Abstract

Migration has a strong economic impact on the sending and host countries. Since individuals and groups do not benefit equally from migration, interest groups emerge to protect and take care of their narrow self-interests and compete for rents generated by migration. Narrow self-interests may be present not only for interest groups but also for ruling politicians and civil servants. In this paper we consider how political culture is important for determining policy and how interest groups affect, via a lobbying process, the choice of public policy. We also consider how interest groups and lobbying activities affect assimilation and attitudes towards migrants and international trade. The narrow interests of the different groups may cause a decrease in social welfare, in some cases, and may enhance welfare in other situations.

Suggested Citation

  • Gil S. Epstein, 2012. "Frontier Issues of the Political Economy of Migration," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 1224, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    • Handle: RePEc:crm:wpaper:1224
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    1. Rossi, Enzo, 2017. "Superseding Dublin: The European asylum system as a non-cooperative game," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 50-59.
    2. Abdulloev, Ilhom & Epstein, Gil S. & Gang, Ira N., 2020. "Job Status, International Migration and Educational Choice," GLO Discussion Paper Series 709, Global Labor Organization (GLO).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Migration; Political Economy; Culture; Minorities; Politicians.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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