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The Impact of EU Enlargement on Immigrants’ Mental Health

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Berlanda

    (University of Padova)

  • Elisabetta Lodigiani

    (University of Padova and LdA)

  • Elisa Tosetti

    (University of Padova)

  • Giorgio Vittadini

    (University of Milano Bicocca and LdA)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the impact of the 2007 European Union enlargement on the mental health of documented immigrants. Using data from a unique Italian administrative data set and employing a difference-in-differences individual fixed effect estimator, we find that the enlargement causes a significant improvement in the mental health of young male immigrants. To shed light on the mechanisms behind these results, we use data from a unique survey and show that the enlargement mitigates sources of health concerns and increases income and employment stability through permanent job contracts for young male immigrants. Overall, these findings suggest that enhanced labor market conditions due to enlargement may lead to subsequent important decrease in psychological distress among immigrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Berlanda & Elisabetta Lodigiani & Elisa Tosetti & Giorgio Vittadini, 2023. "The Impact of EU Enlargement on Immigrants’ Mental Health," "Marco Fanno" Working Papers 0309, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche "Marco Fanno".
  • Handle: RePEc:pad:wpaper:0309
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Reichert, Arndt R. & Tauchmann, Harald, 2017. "Workforce reduction, subjective job insecurity, and mental health," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 187-212.
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    4. Giuntella, Osea & Lonsky, Jakub, 2020. "The effects of DACA on health insurance, access to care, and health outcomes," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    5. Carlo Devillanova & Francesco Fasani & Tommaso Frattini, 2018. "Employment of Undocumented Immigrants and the Prospect of Legal Status: Evidence from an Amnesty Program ," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 71(4), pages 853-881, August.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mental health; migration; drug prescriptions; EU enlargement.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J60 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - General

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