Marriage Equality and the Transnational Flow of Skilled Labor: The Impact of Same-Sex Marriage Legalization in the United States on the Inflow of Skilled Labor

Abstract

This paper examines the impact on skilled labor migration to the United States of same-sex marriage legalization in European countries and US federal recognition of foreign same-sex marriages. Analyzing US Department of Homeland Security data, we find that European legalization decreased skilled labor admissions to the United States by 22 percent, most notably after six years. However, US recognition of foreign same-sex marriages mitigated this effect post-2013, indicating that such legalizations facilitate skilled labor movement between nations.