Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/207467 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 12642
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper explores the impact of the 2007 EU enlargement on the consumption behavior of immigrant households. Using data from a unique Italian survey and a diff-in-diff approach, we find that the enlargement induced a consumption increase for immigrants from new member states. This effect concerned both undocumented and documented immigrants, albeit through different channels. Detailed information on immigrants' legal status and sector of employment allows us to shed light on the exact mechanisms. Following the enlargement, previously undocumented immigrants experienced increases in labor income by moving away from the informal sector, whereas immigrants who were already working legally in Italy benefitted from an increased probability of getting permanent contracts. Enhanced employment stability in turn reduced uncertainty, leading to an increase in documented immigrants' consumption.
Subjects: 
(un)documented immigrants
informality
citizenship
consumption
work permit
JEL: 
D12
E21
F22
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
953.99 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.