We explore the developmental impacts of mass migration on countries of origin, focusing specifically on Venezuela during the significant migrant exodus between 2016 and 2019. By comparing municipalities that had varying numbers of foreign residents before the migration surge, we investigate changes in electoral outcomes, economic growth, and income inequality. Our findings reveal that municipalities with a higher number of foreign residents at the outset – which also experienced greater levels of emigration – witnessed reduced voter turnout and diminished political support for the incumbent opposition. Additionally, we observed notable decreases in night light luminosity, alongside increases in income inequality.
Written with Nicolas Cabra (DECRG, World Bank) and Maria Micaela Sviastchi (Princeton University)