Undocumented Immigrants in Milan: Evidence from Naga Records
ECONPUBBLICA Working Paper No. 110
38 Pages Posted: 10 Mar 2006
Date Written: March 2006
Abstract
Undocumented immigration is a core policy issue. However, quantitative information on the phenomenon is absolutely scant. This paper uses a uniquely large data set on undocumented immigrants to provide new information on immigrants' personal characteristics and their socioeconomic status. We find a great heterogeneity of migration patterns across ethnic groups and between genders. We also document that immigrants possess, on average, a high level of education and perform qualified jobs in their country of origin. This is in striking contrast with their labour market outcomes in Italy, where 46% of immigrants are unemployed and almost all employed individuals perform very elementary occupations. Regression analysis suggests that schooling and knowledge of Italian are positively associated with the probability of being employed. We also find that, ceteris paribus, immigrants from Sub Saharan Africa have a lower employment rate.
Keywords: Immigrants, Milan, Naga
JEL Classification: J61
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation