Policy Work
Research briefs and policy reports translating academic findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers.
Showing 23 policy briefs
with Jesús Marcano & Carlos Moya & Roberto Patiño
Using original survey data from nearly 3,000 Venezuelan migrants across nine Latin American countries, examines how legal immigration status shapes labor market integration and settlement intentions — finding legal status strongly tied to formal employment but not, on its own, to wanting to stay.
with Greg Wright
Asks whether the US has 'enough' workers with green skills, using wage and labor market data to test claims of shortages in the sectors where green workers concentrate, against a backdrop of aging populations and declining birth rates.
Empirical analysis examining crime data in Ecuador to assess claims about Venezuelan migrants and criminality, with evidence-based policy recommendations.
with Ricardo Hausmann
Empirical assessment examining whether U.S. sanctions on Venezuela are responsible for increased migration to the southwest border.
In the Press
with Guillermo Arcay & Jesus Daboin Pacheco & Ricardo Hausmann
Examines Japan's paradoxical economic position: highest economic complexity globally yet sluggish productivity growth, with policy recommendations for innovation and immigration reform.
with Rebecca Brough & Giovanni Peri
Policy framework for successful economic and social integration of forced migrants and refugees in host countries.
with Greg Wright
Presents an 'Occupational Opportunity Network' framework to identify occupations with high demand and immigrant participation, recommending expansion of H1B and H2B visas.
with José Morales-Arilla & Sara Restrepo
Comprehensive policy roadmap for integrating Venezuelan immigrants into Colombia's economy, with recommendations for labor market access and regularization.
with Pedro Casas-Alatriste & Carlos Daboin
Analysis of migratory flows from Guatemala to Mexico and labor market synergies, exploring opportunities for industrial development in Chiapas and Oaxaca based on migrant human capital.
with Selen Özdoğan
Analyzes Japan's productivity dynamics and Global Collaborative Patents, finding innovation quality lags despite high R&D spending, with recommendations for foreign R&D centers and immigration.
with Prithwiraj Choudhury & Britta Glennon
Documents how Trump's June 2020 visa ban announcement caused Fortune 500 companies to lose approximately $100 billion in market value.
In the Press
with Meagan Dooley & Andrew Selee
Analyzes 2019 crime data finding Venezuelan immigrants commit substantially fewer crimes than native-born populations, challenging widespread misconceptions.
Argues that migrants and refugees contribute valuable skills, knowledge, and innovation that can drive economic growth when proper policies are in place.
with Sebastian Strauss
Examines why Japan's innovation output lags despite high R&D spending, exploring how government incentives and R&D composition explain the productivity paradox.
Final report of the OAS Working Group analyzing the Venezuelan migration crisis affecting Latin America and the Caribbean, with policy recommendations for regional coordination.
Informe final del Grupo de Trabajo de la OEA sobre la crisis migratoria venezolana que afecta a América Latina y el Caribe, con recomendaciones de políticas para la coordinación regional.
Challenges claims that U.S. sanctions caused Venezuela's humanitarian crisis, presenting evidence that economic collapse predated sanctions by years.
In the Press
Proposes Israel can address skilled worker shortages while expanding development assistance by recruiting engineers from developing nations through short-term visa programs.
with Meagan Dooley & Cindy Huang
Examines regularization of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, highlighting their young, well-educated profile and strategies for successful labor market integration.
with Ted Piccone & Harold Trinkunas
Examines Venezuela's economic, humanitarian, and governance crises and provides recommendations for international response to the migration crisis affecting over 2 million people.
with Ernesto Talvi
Explores how emigrants and their networks represent 'unexploited capital' that could foster growth in home countries, proposing policy frameworks to leverage diaspora assets.
with Ernesto Talvi
Examines how Latin American nations can leverage diaspora populations through remittances, business networks, and knowledge transfer for economic development.
Examines whether economic growth results from specialization or diversification, finding that while poor nations concentrate exports, wealthier countries maintain diversified portfolios.