Abstract

Some people consider migration as a threat to our welfare state, whereas others see migration as the solution for the financial sustainability of the system of social security. Given the developments concerning migration, as well as the evolution of the welfare state, it seems us necessary to analyse the relationship between both. We discuss the impact of immigration on the government budget in seven Western countries by comparing recent empirical research. The studies distinguish between a static or dynamic approach. Both methodologies have restrictions, of which we analyze the implications for the results. On the basis of the fiscal consequences of immigrants for the different countries, we examine which factors drive the fiscal effects of immigrants. Finally, we examine which information is necessary to carry out an intergenerational analysis for Belgium.

How to Cite:

Corluy, V. & Verbist, G., (2007) “Wat draagt immigratie bij tot het ontvangstland?: methodologie en internationale resultaten van een berekening van het budgettaire effect van immigratie”, Tijdschrift voor Sociologie 28(3-4), 398–422. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/sociologos.86690