In this paper we analyse whether individuals blame migrants for labour market risks due to technological change and trade. Recent labour economics studies indicate significant substitution of local labour by machines or by moving production in particular to China. We argue that these labour market effects can be misattributed to migrants, as migration is a highly salient political issue that is perceived to entail labour market competition for natives. We provide causal evidence for misattribution using survey data for 94 regions in 10 European countries, in which we exploit variation across occupations, industries, and ethnicity inflows across local labour markets over time.

This talk is regarding joint work with Stefan Thewissen (INET Oxford, Employment Equity & Growth Programme Alumnus & Research fellow at the Overseas Development Institute) and Andrea Gerraci (INET Oxford, Employment Equity & Growth Programme Alumnus & Research Fellow
European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre Competence Centre on Microeconomic Evaluation)