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Local-Level Immigration and Life Satisfaction: The EU Enlargement Experience in England and Wales

Author

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  • Ivlevs, Artjoms

    () (University of the West of England, Bristol)

  • Veliziotis, Michail

    () (University of Southampton)

Abstract

The 2004 European Union enlargement resulted in an unprecedented wave of 1.5 million workers relocating from Eastern Europe to the UK. We study how this migrant inflow affected life satisfaction of native residents in England and Wales. Combining the British Household Panel Survey with the Local Authority level administrative data from the Worker Registration Scheme, we find that higher local level immigration increased life satisfaction of young people and decreased life satisfaction of old people. This finding is driven by the initial 'migration shock' – inflows that occurred in the first two years after the enlargement. Looking at different life domains, we also find some evidence that, irrespective of age, higher local level immigration increased natives' satisfaction with their dwelling, partner and social life.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivlevs, Artjoms & Veliziotis, Michail, 2015. "Local-Level Immigration and Life Satisfaction: The EU Enlargement Experience in England and Wales," IZA Discussion Papers 9513, Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9513
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    immigration; life satisfaction; United Kingdom; 2004 EU enlargement;

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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