Publication: Least Protected, Most Affected: Impacts of Migration Regularization Programs on Pandemic Resilience
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2023-02
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2023-02-13
2023-03-06
2023-03-06
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How can regularization programs improve forced migrants’ resilience to shocks This paper leverages panel data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess whether Venezuelan forced migrants who were eligible for a regularization program in Colombia were more resilient and less affected by the pandemic than similar but non-eligible forced migrants. The results indicate that access to the program promoted better health access for eligible migrants, facilitating adherence to prevention guidelines and increasing detection rates. Additionally, eligible migrants had better housing and labor conditions, relative to non-eligible migrants.
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“Urbina, Maria José; Rozo, Sandra V.; Moya, Andrés; Ibáñez, Ana María. 2023. Least Protected, Most Affected: Impacts of Migration Regularization Programs on Pandemic Resilience. Policy Research Working Papers;10291. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/39406 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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Instead, theoretical and qualitative evidence suggests that it may be potentially explained by (1) the absence of negative economic effects of the program, (2) the low media and political salience of the program, (3) the cultural proximity between Colombia and Venezuela, and (4) the stabilization of Venezuelan inflows into Colombia after 2018.Publication More Benefits, Fewer Children(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2023-05-08)How do policies that ease the integration of immigrants shape their fertility decisions This paper uses a panel survey of undocumented Venezuelan migrants in Colombia to compare the fertility decisions of households before and after the launch of an amnesty program that granted such migrants a labor permit and access to social services. The results suggest the amnesty reduced the likelihood that program beneficiaries would have a child due to better labor market opportunities for women and greater access to family planning resources through health care services.Publication Empowering Migrant Women(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-11)Do undocumented forced migrants change their propensity to report or commit a crime when they are granted proper documentation, a job permit, and access to social services? This paper examines the impacts of a regularization program that granted temporary economic rights to over 281,000 undocumented Venezuelan forced migrants in Colombia. The program resulted in a general reduction in crimes committed by forced migrants, also while increasing the number of domestic abuse and sex crimes female migrants reported. 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