Integrating immigrants as a tool for broad development

International migration can contribute importantly to sustainable economic
growth. The effects of migration for both origin and host countries, however,
depend on immigrant integration. We experimentally evaluate the impact of
information and migrants’ aspirations on immigrant integration using a field
experiment among Cape Verdean immigrants in Portugal. The interventions
promote integration outcomes such as migration status regularization and better quality employment of migrants. They furthermore affect those left behind.
While the impact on material remittances is muted, targeting migrant integration
barriers improves democratic processes and attitudes over gender equity in
origin countries. In addition, providing immigrants with better information
sources about integration processes affects migration intentions and
expectations of prospective migrants.