Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/336062 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 12362
Publisher: 
Munich Society for the Promotion of Economic Research - CESifo GmbH, Munich
Abstract: 
Do symbolic aspects of integration policies affect migrants' integration into the host society? In this paper, we study the effects of a symbolic change in birthright citizenship rules in France that requires second-generation immigrants to state their allegiance on their integration. Adopting a Difference-in-Differences approach, we show that, contrary to its stated aim of fostering a greater sense of belonging, this policy led to a loss of national identity and an increase in perceptions of discrimination among the target group. We document that these effects are not driven by changes in naturalization rates or an increased general hostility. We also show that while the reform did not affect their economic or political integration, it did reduce their cultural integration, as measured by religiosity and naming patterns. Overall, rather than promoting integration, such migration policies can lead to a backlash.
Subjects: 
naturalization
migrant integration
policy backlash
national identity
JEL: 
J1
J15
J21
J24
J61
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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