Migration, Politics, and the Economy: Unpacking the Global Impact of Immigration: learn more about the Summer School 2025

The Summer School 2025 at the UB School of Economics will explore the political economy of immigration, focusing on public attitudes, electoral consequences, and policy responses.  

Andreas Steinmayr (University of Innsbruck) and Tanya Surovtseva (University of Barcelona) are experts in this field and will be the lecturers of our summer course, which will take place from June 30 to July 4, 2025, at the University of Barcelona.  

We recently interviewed Matteo Gamalerio, the Academic Coordinator of this year’s program, to learn more about the topics that participants will be able to explore at the Summer School.  

 

How have immigration trends evolved in recent years, and what are the potential economic and political implications of current migration patterns? 

Recent research on migration indicates that international migration has expanded at a pace comparable to global population growth over the past 50 years, with nearly 300 million people—or 3.5% of the world’s population—now living outside their country of birth. However, migration flows have been disproportionately concentrated in high-income nations, where declining birth rates have contributed to a growing share of foreign-born residents. In OECD countries, the proportion of foreign-born individuals has risen from 7% in 1990 to over 12% in 2020. In some nations, such as the United States and Germany, immigrants account for more than 15% of the labor force, while in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, this figure reaches 25%. 

In this context, immigration has become a highly debated issue in many OECD countries, with opinions sharply divided. Some argue that an influx of migrants may displace native-born workers, depress wages, and strain public finances. Others raise concerns about cultural shifts and perceived increases in crime. Conversely, supporters of migration emphasize its economic benefits, noting that immigrants strengthen labor markets, drive innovation, and enhance global competitiveness. They also highlight that greater cultural diversity enriches society. From a policy perspective, well-managed migration is often viewed as a key tool to stimulate economic growth, address skill shortages, and boost productivity and international trade, particularly in aging societies. 

How do populist and far-right parties leverage immigration as a political tool, and what are the broader consequences for democratic systems? 

Empirical evidence shows that populist and far-right parties often use immigration as a political tool to mobilize voters, portraying it as a threat to national identity, public security, and economic stability. Research demonstrates that the presence of immigrants and migration flows can sometimes increase support for these parties, particularly when native populations perceive changes in their communities, workplaces, and schools. Concerns about cultural and economic shifts can lead to resistance against immigration policies and influence political preferences. 

However, empirical research also shows that the impact of immigration on political attitudes is not uniform. In some cases, well-managed migration and structured integration efforts can reduce opposition to immigration by fostering social cohesion and demonstrating economic benefits. Studies indicate that direct interaction with immigrants and exposure to their positive contributions can help counteract negative narratives and shift public perceptions. 

Beyond electoral dynamics, empirical evidence suggests that the use of immigration as a divisive issue contributes to political polarization and shifts in mainstream party positions. It can also undermine democratic norms by fostering distrust in institutions, limiting media independence, and weakening judicial oversight. This suggests that, in the long run, framing immigration as a political threat can shape public discourse and influence policy decisions in ways that extend far beyond migration itself. 

What key insights and research methodologies will participants gain regarding the economic, political, and social impacts of migration, and how can these insights inform evidence-based policymaking? 

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic, political, and social impacts of migration, drawing from the latest empirical research. They will explore global migration trends, the effects of immigration on labor markets, wages, and fiscal policies, and the role of migration policies in shaping economic integration. The program will examine how cultural and economic factors drive public attitudes toward immigration, the influence of media and misinformation, and the political consequences of migration, including its impact on electoral outcomes and the rise of populist movements. Additionally, participants will engage with the geopolitics of migration, analyzing historical and contemporary cases. 

Methodologically, students will learn empirical strategies for assessing the effects of immigration, including approaches that leverage natural experiments and policy changes. One key example is the use of instrumental variable methods, particularly the shift-share approach, accompanied by discussions on its critiques and recent advancements in the field. 

From a policymaking perspective, the program will examine comparative immigration policies, border controls, asylum systems, and pathways to citizenship. It will also address long-term challenges, including migration in aging societies, climate-induced displacement, and the ethical dimensions of migration governance. By integrating rigorous research with real-world policy debates, participants will gain insights to inform evidence-based policymaking in migration and integration strategies. 

For those pursuing careers in academia, policymaking, or international organizations, how can the knowledge and skills gained in this program enhance their professional trajectories and research impact? 

The summer school equips participants with advanced methodological tools and cutting-edge research insights that are essential for careers in academia, policymaking, and international organizations. Through a rigorous focus on causal inference and empirical analysis, students will strengthen their ability to conduct evidence-based research on migration and its economic, political, and social impacts. 

For those in academia, the program provides a strong foundation in applied research methods, helping them develop high-quality studies that contribute to scholarly debates. Policymakers and professionals in public institutions will benefit from quantitative techniques for policy evaluation, enabling them to design and assess immigration policies based on empirical evidence. Similarly, participants aiming for careers in international organizations will gain insights into global migration trends and policy frameworks, enhancing their ability to contribute to migration governance and development strategies. 

By engaging with leading researchers and like-minded peers, participants will expand their professional networks, positioning themselves at the forefront of migration research and policy analysis in an increasingly data-driven world. 

 

How will the program foster collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds, and how will this contribute to a deeper understanding of migration dynamics? 

The program is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Through structured debates and interactive discussions, students will engage with key migration topics from multiple perspectives, critically analyzing different viewpoints and policy implications. By preparing assigned readings and taking on specific debate roles, participants will develop their ability to engage in evidence-based argumentation and interdisciplinary dialogue. 

Additionally, the final day will feature a mini-workshop, where participants will present their research, share insights through posters, or analyze key policy issues. This format allows for peer-to-peer learning, enabling participants to gain exposure to different methodologies, policy approaches, and regional migration experiences. 

By working collaboratively, engaging in structured discussions, and exchanging research ideas, participants will develop a broader, more nuanced understanding of migration dynamics, strengthening their ability to contribute to academic research, policy analysis, and international collaboration on migration issues. 

 

If you found this interview with the academic coordinator of the program interesting, don’t hesitate to learn more about the Summer School at the UB School of Economics here. Registrations are now open! 

---