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Do Anti-Immigration Attitudes Discourage Immigration? Evidence from a New Instrument

Author

Listed:
  • Bacher, Etienne

    (Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER))

  • Beine, Michel

    (University of Luxembourg)

  • Rapoport, Hillel

    (Paris School of Economics)

Abstract

We investigate the effect of anti-immigration attitudes on immigration plans to Europe. We propose a new instrument for attitudes toward immigration, namely, the number of country nationals killed in terrorist attacks taking place outside of Europe. Our first-stage results confirm that such terrorist attacks increase negative attitudes to immigration in the origin country of the victims. Our second-stage results then show that this higher hostility toward migrants decreases the attractiveness of the country for prospective immigrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Bacher, Etienne & Beine, Michel & Rapoport, Hillel, 2025. "Do Anti-Immigration Attitudes Discourage Immigration? Evidence from a New Instrument," IZA Discussion Papers 18192, IZA Network @ LISER.
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18192
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    JEL classification:

    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • F2 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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