Traces in the shadow: Occupational outcomes of previously undocumented migrants in Italy

Abstract

Using a representative sample of currently legal third‐country immigrants in Italy, obtained from the Social Condition and Integration of Foreign Citizens survey, this article examines the long‐term labour market consequences of previous undocumented spells. First, formerly undocumented immigrants are identified using retrospective information on respondents' legal status. Second, immigrants are classified according to the duration of irregular spells before the achievement of the first residence permit. Third, current labour market outcomes are investigated to account for the endogeneity underlying the previous undocumented history. Results show that even though formerly undocumented immigrants are more likely to participate in the labour market, they are more likely to be employed in underqualified occupations than continuously legal immigrants. The duration of the irregular experience affects occupational qualification negatively, among both men and women. The lack of legal entry channels and policies to plan and regulate migration to Italy may reinforce labour market segmentation, exposing migrants to long‐term occupational downgrade.

Legal Status and Fertility Patterns: Regulation-Induced Disruption Among Previously Undocumented Immigrant Women in Italy

“…Recently, some studies have applied a longitudinal approach to modelling the legal status as a dynamic category for the comparison of migrants who have experienced irregular spells before achieving legal status and those who have continuously experienced legal conditions (Shoumaker et al, 2022 ; Cheong, 2021 ; Jasso, 2011 ; Jasso et al, 2008 ). Previously undocumented immigrants have been observed to obtain less prestigious jobs in the long run (Kreisberg, 2019 ; Molinari et al, 2023 ) and to experience persistent disadvantages in health outcomes (Zajdel, 2023 ). Despite its relevance for investigating receiving contexts where undocumented experiences are widespread—e.g.…”

“…Previous estimates have shown that almost 3 million immigrants (both males and females) currently living in Italy have experienced irregular status during their settlement (Buonomo & Paparusso, 2018 ). Among non-EU immigrant women in Italy, the share of migrants with previous irregular status has been estimated at more than 50 per cent (Molinari et al, 2023 ). Therefore, despite the relevance of family reunification as a legal channel of admission, a large size of immigrant women have been previously involved in irregular spells before accessing legal status.…”