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Title: Self-Selection Patterns in Mexico-US Migration: The Role of Migration Networks

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2010

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Abstract: This paper examines the role of migration networks in determining self-selection patterns of Mexico-U.S. migration. A simple theoretical framework shows the impact of networks on migration incentives at different education levels and how this affects the composition of migrant skills. Empirically, we find positive or education-neutral selection in communities with weak migrant networks but negative self-selection in communities with stronger networks. This is consistent with high migration costs driving positive or intermediate self-selection, as advocated by Chiquiar and Hanson (2005), and with negative self-selection being driven by lower returns to education in the United States than in Mexico, as advocated by Borjas (1987).

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Authors: Rapoport, Hillel; McKenzie, David

Periodical (Full): Review of Economics and Statistics

Issue: 4

Volume: 92

Pages: 811-821

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Migration and Immigration

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