Circular migration is a successful policy characterized by multi-dimensional, multi-stakeholder and triple-win strategies. In this framework, beneficiaries are identified in the host country, migrants and the country of origin. The literature suggests how this international phenomenon has the potential to eradicating inequality through main factors such as remittances, trade and transfer of knowledge, technology and social norms (Di Giovanni, et al. 2015; Rodrik, 2017). Yet, major attention is mainly given to migration itself, focusing on the role of first migrant generations and barely giving space to the second migrants generation, one of the most important consequence of this phenomenon.
My research proposal focuses on Italy and it aims to bring a new perspective on the existing literature concerning circular migrations and development economics at a micro level. I will investigate determinants and inhibitor of second migrant generations¿ decisions to returns to their country of origin, even for just a limited period of time. Push and pull factors are analyzed, the first boosting departures from the native country, Italy, and the latter attracting human capital back to their ancestral countries. I expect heterogeneous conclusions among ancestral countries, along with not significant levels of lifetime returns. Yet, I expect a significant level of temporary returns for familial and cultural matters, and economic reasons, with relevant implications in the national and international policy framework. Outcomes from return migration can also bring relevant implications in terms of public economics, as concerning tax revenue and further public social insurance schemes.
Currently, in Italy there aren¿t studies on generational returns. Analyzing its potential causes and effects may lead to relevant contributions in the national and international discussions, as second migrant generations potentially have a relevant role in both native and ancestral countries with impacts at both micro and macro levels. The international phenomenon of generational decisions to return significantly affect countries in terms of social, human and economic capitals. In the native country, social inclusion is crucial as job and schooling opportunities discrimination could bias relationships between second generations and autochthons, and results as well. In the ancestral country, central is the relationships concern first migrant generations and second migrant generations, as the latter ones¿ present different and better characteristics reflecting different types of impact and level of returns. Second migrant generations with respect to their parents bring new set of skills, knowledge, assets and network, acquired in their native country. In a development and public economics perspective, examining these factors and implications is relevant.
Nowadays, the role of second migrant generations is mostly unobserved and understudied, despite the potentially relevant source they are. Knowing and understanding determinants of second migrant generations¿ returns can hold key information for policy-makers in the international framework. Second migrant generations can be a bridge between two nations, not only in terms of social and cultural dynamics, but also from an economic and development perspective. My research will also open a new viewpoint on the role of second migrant generations in circular migration policies, potentially considerable as a new stakeholder.