Work

Can foreign aid reduce the desire to emigrate? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Parallel to traditional immigration control policies, states send substantial amounts of foreign aid to address the root causes of migration. Using a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we evaluate a representative type of “root causes” aid (RCA) project in Africa, implemented by the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). We find the project reduced aspirations to migrate and slowed preparations for the journey. Multiple mediation analysis shows “instrumental place attachment”—or the ability to pursue important goals in one's place of residence compared to other destinations—is the main driver. However, effects wane 6 months after project end. That a small RCA project increased instrumental place attachment, albeit briefly, is significant given global inequalities. We explore this finding by conducting interviews with international organization (IO) and nongovernmental organization (NGO) practitioners to understand how development organizations affect instrumental place attachment, and with youth to understand how interventions (un)successfully moderate the choice to stay or migrate.

Source: American Journal of Political Science

DOI: 10.1111/ajps.12927

Authors: Miranda Simon, Cassilde Schwartz, David Hudson

Institutions: University of Essex, Royal Holloway University of London, University of Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Migration and Labor Dynamics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900