Cash Transfers and Migration: Theory and Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

A-Tier
Journal: Review of Economics and Statistics
Year: 2023
Volume: 105
Issue: 1
Pages: 143-157

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Will the fast expansion of cash-based programming in poor countries increase international migration? Theoretically, cash transfers may deter migration by increasing its opportunity cost or favor migration by relaxing liquidity, credit, and risk constraints. This paper evaluates the impact of a cash-for-work program on migration. Randomly selected households in Comoros were offered up to US$320 in cash in exchange for their participation in public works projects. We find that the program increased international migration by 38%; from 7.8%; to 10.8%;. The increase in migration appears to be driven by the alleviation of liquidity and risk constraints.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:tpr:restat:v:105:y:2023:i:1:p:143-157
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25