ESPOL-LAB Inaugural Lecture “Immigration in the XXIst century : Mobility, integration, and politics”

13 February 2025, 14:00-16:00: Inaugural Lecture

“Immigration in the XXIst century: Mobility, integration, and politics”

Jérôme GONNOT – ESPOL, Université catholique de Lille

Lecture Hall MF 1092, ‘Michel Falise’ Building, 13 rue de Toul

Immigration has emerged as a defining and polarizing issue in the 21st century, reshaping societies in profound ways. This lecture, « Immigration in the XXIst Century: Mobility, Integration, and Politics, » will draw on empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives to delve into three interconnected stages of migration: what drives individuals to migrate, how they integrate into host societies, and the political consequences of these movements. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of visa policies and advancements in ICT technology in determining migration patterns. The integration discussion will highlight immigrants’ roles in vital economic sectors and their broader impact on labor markets and public finances. Public opinion will be explored through the lens of whether immigration flows shape native attitudes and contribute to social and political divides. Finally, the lecture will briefly examine the political dimensions of immigration, including immigrants’ access to political rights, native perceptions of these rights, and how immigration is leveraged in political rhetoric.

Jérôme GONNOT is Associate Professor of Public Economics at ESPOL, Université catholique de Lille.