Traces in the shadow: Occupational outcomes of previously undocumented migrants in Italy

Using a representative sample of currently legal third-country immigrants in Italy, obtained from the Social Condition and Integration Foreign Citizens survey, this article examines long-term labour market consequences previous undocumented spells. First, formerly are identified using retrospective information on respondents' status. Second, classified according to duration irregular spells before achievement first residence permit. Third, current outcomes investigated account for endogeneity underlying history. Results show that even though more likely participate market, they be employed underqualified occupations than continuously immigrants. The experience affects occupational qualification negatively, among both men women. lack entry channels policies plan regulate migration Italy may reinforce segmentation, exposing migrants downgrade.