Dr. Biagio Speciale, Paris School of Economics, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
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.
About the speaker
Dr. Biagio Speciale holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Université libre de Bruxelles. He is associate professor at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and associate member at Paris School of Economics.
His main research interests are in the economics of migration and labor economics in contexts of political instability. He has published in journals such as Journal of the European Economic Association, Journal of Public Economics, Journal of Comparative Economics, Oxford Economic Papers, among others.
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