The effect of language training on immigrants’ economic integration: Empirical evidence from France

Abstract

We examine the impact of language training on the economic integration of immigrants in France. The assignment to this training, offered by the French Ministry of the Interior, depends mainly on a precise rule: the training is available when the test score of an initial language exam is below a certain threshold. This eligibility rule creates a discontinuity in the relation between the test result and the variables of interest, which is used to estimate the causal effect of this training, through the method of Regression Discontinuity Design. We find that the number of assigned hours of training significantly increases labor force participation of the treated individuals. The language classes appear to have a larger effect for labor migrants and refugees relative to family migrants, for men and individuals below the median age, and for individuals with higher levels of education. Our estimates suggest that the main channel for the improved labor market participation is the information on job search strategies that immigrants derive from the interaction with their classmates and teachers during classes. JEL-Codes: J150, J610, J680.

Language Training and Refugees' Integration

“…Germany mandated in 2005 language (and German history, law and culture) classes for newly arrived refugees(Hübschmann, 2015;Martin et al, 2016). France introduced the Contract d'accueil et d'intgration in 2007, requiring immigrants to participate in language training and civic training(Lochmann, Rapoport, and Speciale, 2019) 2. Since 2013 the integration program has to be paid for by the immigrant herself (De Vries, 2013).…”

Minds on the move: Crossing disciplines to shed new light on human cognition

“…It would timely as immigration policies increasingly screen migrants' linguistic skill, premigration and postmigration. OECD nations always invest more resources in language training for migrants (Chiswick & Miller, 2015; Isphording, 2015; Lochmann, Rapoport, & Speciale, 2019). But these public policies obtain limited results (Lochmann et al, 2019) because they rely on a partial diagnosis of the issues at hand.…”

An introduction to the economics of immigration in OECD countries

“…In the context of France, Lochmann et al. (2019) take advantage of the fact that new immigrants to France are assigned to a language‐training program based on their score on a language test. Using a regression discontinuity design, they show a positive impact of language training sessions on labour market participation, mostly for relatively more skilled immigrants whose native languages are linguistically not too distant from French.…”