Government ideology and international migration*

Abstract We provide the first empirical evidence that government ideology affects choice of migration destinations. As ruling political parties differ in their discourse, policies, and positions on migration, differential between host home country governments can shape relative generosity welfare system, degree tolerance towards out‐groups, restrictiveness all acting as important drivers international migration. Using data bilateral for OECD countries 1990 2016, we show flows increase when at destination becomes more left‐wing to origin, particularly both are members European Economic Area.