Segmented paths of welfare assimilation
Yip Ching Yu & Zina Nimeh
#2020-036
This paper investigates the extent to which first-generation immigrants
in the Netherlands undergo segmented paths of welfare assimilation and
its underlying mechanism. Using unique longitudinal panel administrative
data (2007-2015) based on the entire Dutch population from Statistics
Netherlands (CBS), we estimate the trajectories of immigrant welfare
utilization over the working-age life course, which is employed as an
indicator of economic marginalization, vis-à-vis those of two base
groups from the native populations representing different economic
segments of the host country, namely: average Dutch natives and Dutch
natives with low education level. The results show that, while
mainstream assimilation is the dominant trend, it is not a common path
for all. The risk of persistent marginalization exists and concentrates
among first-generation immigrants characterized by structural and human
capital disadvantages, despite their aspiration to integrate and notable
degrees of upward mobilities. The worst scenario projected is a lack of
assimilation to neither segment, suggesting prospective emergence of an
ethnic underclass at the bottom of the economic ladder. The main policy
implications are twofold. First, automatic closing of the
immigrant-native gap over time should not be presumed if a level playing
field is not provided for all regardless of their type of immigration
and ethnic background. Second, the need for distinction between
immigration policy and refugee policy should not be obscured by the
consolidation of immigrants as one homogenous group, as systematic
discrepancy is being observed between refugees and other types of
migrants in both the patterns and mechanisms of welfare assimilation.
JEL Classification: H53, J6, I38, C23, J15
Keywords: welfare assimilation, segmented assimilation, first-generation
immigrants, dynamic correlated random effects probit model