Ester Salis | FIERI - International and European Forum of Research on Migration (original) (raw)

Papers by Ester Salis

In Italy, like in the other southern European countries, the impact of the economic crisis has be... more In Italy, like in the other southern European countries, the impact of the economic crisis has been particularly severe. We can hence expect that its impact on integration dynamics is also relevant. In this paper, we try to identify possible structural changes in integration patterns in Italy and to highlight the theoretical and conceptual implications by drawing inspiration from American literature on assimilation. Specifically, following Gans’ literature review, our analysis starts from theories’ lack of attention for the effects of economic downturns and downward mobility on integration and the consequent bias which can hamper the study of integration in the current economic crisis. In order to cope with that, drawing mainly from Portes and Esser’s theories, we point out possible paths of integration based on changes in socio-economic conditions and in salience of ethnic boundaries, including those paths which may occur in a context of economic downturn. We then test these paths ...

Journal of Comparative Migration Studies, 2014

ABSTRACT Abstract European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a l... more ABSTRACT Abstract European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a large and growing demand of long-term care services. To a varying, but overall substantial, extent this increasing demand is satisfied through migration, with migrant women workers representing everywhere a considerable share of the workforce available in the care sector. In this paper two key questions arising from these observations will be addressed: What has been the specific role of migration in addressing labour shortages in the care sector across Europe? And, secondly, what are the drivers of the different immigration policy approaches adopted? Drawing on EU-LFS data I will describe the main entry channels of migrant care workers, also distinguished by skill and occupational level, to highlight the specific immigrant labour supply policy mix adopted by national governments. Recent theories of managed migration policies will be critically assessed to ultimately discuss their ability to explain the immigrant labour supply policy mix in the care sector.

1 The wellbeing of immigrants and the native-born population. This dimension is reflected primari... more 1 The wellbeing of immigrants and the native-born population. This dimension is reflected primarily in the effective enjoyment of civil, social and political rights, in adequate living conditions and as respect for personal dignity and culture. For immigrants this means, for example, being able to express their opinions freely, organising and exercising their religion publicly, participating in the civil and political life of the host society, not being subject to work or housing segregation, and not being the target of offensive public speeches. For the native population this can mean not seeing their effective rights reduced following a fall in the quality of welfare services, or suffering a worsening in their working or housing conditions, or living in a less safe environment, owing to immigration.

Southern Europe has been severely hit by the current economic crisis with negative consequences i... more Southern Europe has been severely hit by the current economic crisis with negative consequences in many areas. In this article the authors try to understand whether migrant integration has also been negatively affected and, if so, to what extent by analysing empirical data. Integration is, in fact, a complex matter, including several aspects which are connected but not automatically related, and thus are potentially different in their reactions to the economic crisis. First breaking down the concept of integration, the authors then compare Italy, Spain, and Portugal, paying special attention to the labour market, migrants’ legal status, and public perceptions about immigration and immigrants. Finally the integration aspects which are more resilient and more sensitive to the crisis are noted, and possible implications for integration patterns of
migrants to southern European are pointed out.

La profonda crisi economica che ha colpito – pur se in maniera asimmetrica – i paesi europei negl... more La profonda crisi economica che ha colpito – pur se in maniera asimmetrica – i paesi europei negli ultimi anni sembra aver fatto perdere rilevanza e attenzione alle politiche di migrazione legale per motivi di lavoro. Tuttavia, in un’ottica di medio-lungo periodo, la crisi occupazionale non ha scalfito sostanzialmente i processi di invecchiamento demografico e di trasformazione dei processi produttivi ed economici. I bisogni di nuovi afflussi di forza lavoro dall’estero resteranno dunque molto forti anche negli anni a venire, seppure in forma e misura diverse rispetto a quelli rilevati in passato. Resta allora cruciale la necessità di sviluppare e implementare adeguatamente nuove politiche per la migrazione legale di lavoratori da paesi terzi all’Unione Europea. Questa necessità è stata recentemente ribadita nella nuova Agenda per l’Immigrazione presentata dalla Commissione Europea lo scorso 13 maggio, dove una “New policy for legal migration” è indicata come uno dei pilastri per le nuove politiche migratorie nell’Unione Europea. Il presente paper si offre dunque come un utile strumento per ricostruire il passato e intravedere le prospettive future nel campo della migrazione legale per lavoro.

European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a large and growing d... more European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a large and growing demand of long-term care services. To a varying, but overall substantial, extent this increasing demand is satisfied through migration, with migrant women workers representing everywhere a considerable share of the workforce available in the care sector. In this paper two key questions arising from these observations will be addressed: What has been the specific role of migration in addressing labour shortages in the care sector across Europe? And, secondly, what are the drivers of the different immigration policy approaches adopted? Drawing on EU-LFS data I will describe the main entry channels of migrant care workers, also distinguished by skill and occupational level, to highlight the specific immigrant labour supply policy mix adopted by national governments. Recent theories of managed migration policies will be critically assessed to ultimately discuss their ability to
explain the immigrant labour supply policy mix in the care sector.

This report aims at providing an in-depth description and a critical assessment of labour migrati... more This report aims at providing an in-depth description and a critical assessment of labour migration governance in Italy throughout the last decade. In particular, special attention will be devoted to the management and implementation of the quota system as the main legal entry channel to Italy for employment purposes. Besides, labour migration policies stricto sensu will be related to other policies managing what
we can define as functional equivalents to labour migration, namely all those migratory flows not officially admitted for employment reasons but still representing a potential and significant source of labour.

L’immigrazione di lavoratori stranieri e dei loro familiari verso l’Italia ha conosciuto nel cors... more L’immigrazione di lavoratori stranieri e dei loro familiari verso l’Italia ha conosciuto nel corso dell’ultimo decennio ritmi di crescita consistenti, simili a quelli osservati in altri paesi europei quali la Spagna e la Gran Bretagna. Tuttavia, a differenza di quanto osservato altrove, la crescita dell’immigrazione in Italia non è stata accompagnata da una corrispondente crescita economica: nel corso del periodo considerato, l’Italia ha mostrato capacità di crescita ben inferiore a quella osservata in precedenza e alla media degli altri paesi europei. Quali interpretazioni si possono avanzare per questo apparente paradosso di un’immigrazione massiccia senza crescita economica significativa? La tesi che proponiamo in questo articolo è che il modello migratorio italiano sia stato a lungo improntato ad un’immigrazione “low cost”. La crescita della popolazione straniera nel nostro paese si è infatti realizzata grazie a costi economici e sociali ridotti per molti degli attori coinvolti dal fenomeno: i lavoratori nativi, il sistema delle imprese, il welfare state e le amministrazioni pubbliche, tra gli altri. L’attuale crisi economica fa però apparire i primi segnali di indebolimento di questo modello, provocando ad esempio costi crescenti in termini di maggiore concorrenzialità tra lavoratori italiani e stranieri o per il sistema di welfare pubblico. Le politiche di immigrazione potranno dunque subire importanti trasformazioni nel prossimo futuro, in direzione di una maggiore selettività e qualificazione dei migranti ammessi nel nostro paese per motivi economici. In una prima sezione si porterà in evidenza il paradosso tutto italiano dell’immigrazione senza crescita. Nella seconda sezione si svilupperà l’argomento dell’immigrazione “low cost” come possibile spiegazione del paradosso, identificando le principali dimensioni del fenomeno: nel mercato del lavoro, nel sistema produttivo e imprenditoriale, nel welfare pubblico e nell’amministrazione statale. Passeremo poi a identificare i segnali di indebolimento di questo modello e, in una quarta ed ultima sezione, le possibili direttrici di un modello alternativo, dove a costi crescenti si potrebbero associare anche maggiori benefici.

Place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny 75775 • Paris Cedex 16 •Tél. (33) 01 44 05 45 42 • Fax (3... more Place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny 75775 • Paris Cedex 16 •Tél. (33) 01 44 05 45 42 • Fax (33) 01 44 05 45 45 • 4, rue d'Enghien • 75010 Paris • Tél.

In Italy, like in the other southern European countries, the impact of the economic crisis has be... more In Italy, like in the other southern European countries, the impact of the economic crisis has been particularly severe. We can hence expect that its impact on integration dynamics is also relevant. In this paper, we try to identify possible structural changes in integration patterns in Italy and to highlight the theoretical and conceptual implications by drawing inspiration from American literature on assimilation. Specifically, following Gans’ literature review, our analysis starts from theories’ lack of attention for the effects of economic downturns and downward mobility on integration and the consequent bias which can hamper the study of integration in the current economic crisis. In order to cope with that, drawing mainly from Portes and Esser’s theories, we point out possible paths of integration based on changes in socio-economic conditions and in salience of ethnic boundaries, including those paths which may occur in a context of economic downturn. We then test these paths ...

Journal of Comparative Migration Studies, 2014

ABSTRACT Abstract European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a l... more ABSTRACT Abstract European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a large and growing demand of long-term care services. To a varying, but overall substantial, extent this increasing demand is satisfied through migration, with migrant women workers representing everywhere a considerable share of the workforce available in the care sector. In this paper two key questions arising from these observations will be addressed: What has been the specific role of migration in addressing labour shortages in the care sector across Europe? And, secondly, what are the drivers of the different immigration policy approaches adopted? Drawing on EU-LFS data I will describe the main entry channels of migrant care workers, also distinguished by skill and occupational level, to highlight the specific immigrant labour supply policy mix adopted by national governments. Recent theories of managed migration policies will be critically assessed to ultimately discuss their ability to explain the immigrant labour supply policy mix in the care sector.

1 The wellbeing of immigrants and the native-born population. This dimension is reflected primari... more 1 The wellbeing of immigrants and the native-born population. This dimension is reflected primarily in the effective enjoyment of civil, social and political rights, in adequate living conditions and as respect for personal dignity and culture. For immigrants this means, for example, being able to express their opinions freely, organising and exercising their religion publicly, participating in the civil and political life of the host society, not being subject to work or housing segregation, and not being the target of offensive public speeches. For the native population this can mean not seeing their effective rights reduced following a fall in the quality of welfare services, or suffering a worsening in their working or housing conditions, or living in a less safe environment, owing to immigration.

Southern Europe has been severely hit by the current economic crisis with negative consequences i... more Southern Europe has been severely hit by the current economic crisis with negative consequences in many areas. In this article the authors try to understand whether migrant integration has also been negatively affected and, if so, to what extent by analysing empirical data. Integration is, in fact, a complex matter, including several aspects which are connected but not automatically related, and thus are potentially different in their reactions to the economic crisis. First breaking down the concept of integration, the authors then compare Italy, Spain, and Portugal, paying special attention to the labour market, migrants’ legal status, and public perceptions about immigration and immigrants. Finally the integration aspects which are more resilient and more sensitive to the crisis are noted, and possible implications for integration patterns of
migrants to southern European are pointed out.

La profonda crisi economica che ha colpito – pur se in maniera asimmetrica – i paesi europei negl... more La profonda crisi economica che ha colpito – pur se in maniera asimmetrica – i paesi europei negli ultimi anni sembra aver fatto perdere rilevanza e attenzione alle politiche di migrazione legale per motivi di lavoro. Tuttavia, in un’ottica di medio-lungo periodo, la crisi occupazionale non ha scalfito sostanzialmente i processi di invecchiamento demografico e di trasformazione dei processi produttivi ed economici. I bisogni di nuovi afflussi di forza lavoro dall’estero resteranno dunque molto forti anche negli anni a venire, seppure in forma e misura diverse rispetto a quelli rilevati in passato. Resta allora cruciale la necessità di sviluppare e implementare adeguatamente nuove politiche per la migrazione legale di lavoratori da paesi terzi all’Unione Europea. Questa necessità è stata recentemente ribadita nella nuova Agenda per l’Immigrazione presentata dalla Commissione Europea lo scorso 13 maggio, dove una “New policy for legal migration” è indicata come uno dei pilastri per le nuove politiche migratorie nell’Unione Europea. Il presente paper si offre dunque come un utile strumento per ricostruire il passato e intravedere le prospettive future nel campo della migrazione legale per lavoro.

European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a large and growing d... more European societies are currently facing serious challenges in responding to a large and growing demand of long-term care services. To a varying, but overall substantial, extent this increasing demand is satisfied through migration, with migrant women workers representing everywhere a considerable share of the workforce available in the care sector. In this paper two key questions arising from these observations will be addressed: What has been the specific role of migration in addressing labour shortages in the care sector across Europe? And, secondly, what are the drivers of the different immigration policy approaches adopted? Drawing on EU-LFS data I will describe the main entry channels of migrant care workers, also distinguished by skill and occupational level, to highlight the specific immigrant labour supply policy mix adopted by national governments. Recent theories of managed migration policies will be critically assessed to ultimately discuss their ability to
explain the immigrant labour supply policy mix in the care sector.

This report aims at providing an in-depth description and a critical assessment of labour migrati... more This report aims at providing an in-depth description and a critical assessment of labour migration governance in Italy throughout the last decade. In particular, special attention will be devoted to the management and implementation of the quota system as the main legal entry channel to Italy for employment purposes. Besides, labour migration policies stricto sensu will be related to other policies managing what
we can define as functional equivalents to labour migration, namely all those migratory flows not officially admitted for employment reasons but still representing a potential and significant source of labour.

L’immigrazione di lavoratori stranieri e dei loro familiari verso l’Italia ha conosciuto nel cors... more L’immigrazione di lavoratori stranieri e dei loro familiari verso l’Italia ha conosciuto nel corso dell’ultimo decennio ritmi di crescita consistenti, simili a quelli osservati in altri paesi europei quali la Spagna e la Gran Bretagna. Tuttavia, a differenza di quanto osservato altrove, la crescita dell’immigrazione in Italia non è stata accompagnata da una corrispondente crescita economica: nel corso del periodo considerato, l’Italia ha mostrato capacità di crescita ben inferiore a quella osservata in precedenza e alla media degli altri paesi europei. Quali interpretazioni si possono avanzare per questo apparente paradosso di un’immigrazione massiccia senza crescita economica significativa? La tesi che proponiamo in questo articolo è che il modello migratorio italiano sia stato a lungo improntato ad un’immigrazione “low cost”. La crescita della popolazione straniera nel nostro paese si è infatti realizzata grazie a costi economici e sociali ridotti per molti degli attori coinvolti dal fenomeno: i lavoratori nativi, il sistema delle imprese, il welfare state e le amministrazioni pubbliche, tra gli altri. L’attuale crisi economica fa però apparire i primi segnali di indebolimento di questo modello, provocando ad esempio costi crescenti in termini di maggiore concorrenzialità tra lavoratori italiani e stranieri o per il sistema di welfare pubblico. Le politiche di immigrazione potranno dunque subire importanti trasformazioni nel prossimo futuro, in direzione di una maggiore selettività e qualificazione dei migranti ammessi nel nostro paese per motivi economici. In una prima sezione si porterà in evidenza il paradosso tutto italiano dell’immigrazione senza crescita. Nella seconda sezione si svilupperà l’argomento dell’immigrazione “low cost” come possibile spiegazione del paradosso, identificando le principali dimensioni del fenomeno: nel mercato del lavoro, nel sistema produttivo e imprenditoriale, nel welfare pubblico e nell’amministrazione statale. Passeremo poi a identificare i segnali di indebolimento di questo modello e, in una quarta ed ultima sezione, le possibili direttrici di un modello alternativo, dove a costi crescenti si potrebbero associare anche maggiori benefici.

Place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny 75775 • Paris Cedex 16 •Tél. (33) 01 44 05 45 42 • Fax (3... more Place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny 75775 • Paris Cedex 16 •Tél. (33) 01 44 05 45 42 • Fax (33) 01 44 05 45 45 • 4, rue d'Enghien • 75010 Paris • Tél.