The Effect of Language Training on Immigrants' Economic Integration - Empirical Evidence from France

Alexia Lochmann, Hillel Rapoport and Biagio Speciale

No 6460, CESifo Working Paper Series from CESifo

Abstract: We examine the impact of language training on the economic integration of immigrants in France. The assignment to this training, offered by the French Ministry of the Interior, depends mainly on a precise rule: the training is available when the test score of an initial language exam is below a certain threshold. This eligibility rule creates a discontinuity in the relation between the test result and the variables of interest, which is used to estimate the causal effect of this training, through the method of Regression Discontinuity Design. We find that the number of assigned hours of training significantly increases labor force participation of the treated individuals. The language classes appear to have a larger effect for labor migrants and refugees relative to family migrants, for men and individuals below the median age, and for individuals with higher levels of education. Our estimates suggest that the main channel for the improved labor market participation is the information on job search strategies that immigrants derive from the interaction with their classmates and teachers during classes.

Keywords: immigrants' integration; language training; Regression Discontinuity Design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J15 J61 J68 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev, nep-eur and nep-mig
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Related works:
Journal Article: The effect of language training on immigrants’ economic integration: Empirical evidence from France (2019)
Working Paper: The effect of language training on immigrants’ economic integration: Empirical evidence from France (2019)
Working Paper: The effect of language training on immigrants’ economic integration: Empirical evidence from France (2019)
Working Paper: The Effect of Language Training on Immigrants' Economic Integration: Empirical Evidence from France (2018)
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