We investigate the role of constituents' preferences in shaping the voting behavior of elected representatives on immigration and trade policy. Using a novel dataset spanning the period 1986-2004, in which we match individual opinion surveys with congressmen roll call votes, we find that greater exposure to media coverage tends to increase a politician's accountability when it comes to migration policy making, while we find no effect for trade policy. Our results thus suggest that more information on the behavior of elected officials affects decisions only when the policy issue is perceived to be salient by the electorate. JEL classification: F22, J61.
We review the literature on recent demographic changes in Europe, focusing on two of the main challenges brought about by an ageing population: severe labour shortages in many sectors of the economy and growing pressures on both health and welfare systems. We discuss how and to what extent migration can contribute to addressing these challenges both in a short and a long-term perspective. Finally, we identify several areas in which more research is needed to help devise more effective policies to cope with a greying society.
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