Terrorism Abroad and Migration Policies at Home

Author(s): Enzo Nussio, Vincenzo Bove, Tobias Böhmelt
Journal Title: Journal of European Public Policy
Publisher(s): Taylor & Francis Group
Publication Year: 2020

Do security concerns lead to more restrictive immigration policies? In this article, CSS’ Enzo Nussio et al. argue that influences from other countries can shape legislative output on immigration at home, such as policy solutions and their implementation. In proximity of countries targeted by terrorism, politicians have specific incentives to manipulate immigration regulations following pressure from public opinion, for political opportunism or in anticipation of their neighbors’ policy choices. Using data on 33 OECD countries, the authors find that proximity to targeted countries leads to the implementation of a more restrictive migration policy regime. The public’s common perception of a linkage between migration and terrorism thus has important policy consequences.

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