RegMig database: Characterizing Regularization Programs in OECD Countries

• Paúl Elguezabal ^[1] ; Inmaculada Martínez-Zarzoso ^[2]
  1. [1] Ibero-America Institute for Economic Research, University of Goettingen, Germany
  2. [2] Institute of International Economics, Universitat Jaume I, Spain. Ibero-America Institute for Economic Research and University of Goettingen, Germany
• Localización: Información Comercial Española, ICE: Revista de economía, ISSN 0019-977X, ISSN-e 2340-8790, Nº 943, 2026 (Ejemplar dedicado a: MIGRACIÓN: OPORTUNIDADES Y DESAFÍOS), págs. 73-89
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.32796/ice.2026.943.7980
• Títulos paralelos:
  • Base de datos RegMig:: caracterización de los programas de regularización en los países de la OCDE
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen
  • español

    Este artículo recopila y analiza ocho décadas de programas de regularización para inmigrantes indocumentados en los países de la OCDE utilizando una nueva base de datos, RegMig, que documenta de manera sistemática las características clave de estos programas de políticas públicas. RegMig identifica 159 programas implementados entre 1945 y 2024, que han beneficiado al menos a 17,93 millones de migrantes indocumentados. El artículo contribuye a la literatura al ofrecer la primera visión general integral y comparativa sobre el diseño, el alcance y la evolución de los programas de regularización en los países de la OCDE. Un caso de estudio centrado en España ilustra, además, la trayectoria histórica y las dinámicas políticas que subyacen a los esfuerzos de regularización.

  • English

    This paper compiles and analyzes eight decades of regularization programs for undocumented immigrants in OECD countries using a newly constructed dataset, RegMig, which systematically documents the key features of these policy programs. RegMig identifies 159 programs implemented between 1945 and 2024, benefiting at least 17.93 million undocumented migrants. The paper contributes to the literature by offering the first comprehensive and comparative overview of the design, scope, and evolution of regularization programs across OECD countries. A case study focusing on Spain further illustrates the historical trajectory and policy dynamics underlying regularization efforts

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