How Does Temporary Labor Migration Affect Voting Behavior and Political Polarization? Evidence From the USA
Abstract
ABSTRACT In this article, I examine how temporary labor migration affects political outcomes using microdata on H2A and H2B temporary work visas. I construct a Bartik‐type instrument for the number of temporary labor migrants in each county and merge this data with election results and measures of political polarization. My results suggest that temporary labor migration decreases the vote share of anti‐immigration parties and far‐right political polarization while increasing far‐left polarization. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that temporary migration affects political outcomes differently from previously studied migration types.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Electoral Systems and Political Participation
Populism
Right-Wing Movements
Migration and Labor Dynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Economics and Politics
- Volume
- 38
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 518–541
- Publication date
- 28 January 2026
- Language
- EN