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The selection of high-skilled emigrants

Author

Listed:
  • Parey, Matthias
  • Ruhose, Jens
  • Waldinger, Fabian
  • Netz, Nicolai
Abstract
We measure selection among high-skilled emigrants from Germany using predicted earnings. Migrants to less equal countries are positively selected relative to non-migrants, while migrants to more equal countries are negatively selected, consistent with the prediction in Borjas (1987). Positive selection to less equal countries reflects university quality and grades, and negative selection to more equal countries reflects university subject and gender. Migrants to the United States are highly positively selected and concentrated in STEM fields. Our results highlight the relevance of the Borjas model for high-skilled individuals when credit constraints and other migration barriers are unlikely to be binding.

Suggested Citation

  • Parey, Matthias & Ruhose, Jens & Waldinger, Fabian & Netz, Nicolai, 2017. "The selection of high-skilled emigrants," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 68562, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:68562
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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