An empirical analysis of the migratory flows to the United States

Migration is generally regarded as an investment decision. Costs and gains from relocating are employed to explain migratory flows. Labor market conditions are important in defining such gains and costs. Labor markets are affectoed by regulatory burdens. This study is an analysis the effect of labor markets restrictiviness on migrations. Data from Doing Business are empoyed to describe the labor market situation in 168 countries during the year 2010. The United States is employed as benchmark of an open economy attracting migrants. Outcomes are somewhat ambiguous. Sime regulations are found to lead to more migration, while other actually help to retain labor force