Should I stay or should I go? Exploring migrants' intentions: the case of Italy

Elisa Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca
Livia Elisa Ortensi, Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca

In this paper we analyse re-emigration intentions using a pooled dataset on a sample of more than 22,000 migrants. The results show that while onward migration appears to be a quest for better conditions on the part of migrants with the best potential, going home seems to be related to giving up on the part of individuals with lower capabilities. Family network, gender, ethnic niche, legal status and the economic crisis also emerged as having a significant role in the decision process.