Childhood and family experiences and the social integration of young migrants

We study how age at migration affects social integration in adulthood. Using Swedish register data, we estimate the effects of age at migration by comparing siblings arriving (as children) at the same time, but at different ages. Migrants who were older when they arrived are less likely to live close to, work with, and marry natives. We also study 2nd generation immigrants and show that parental time in the host country has similar (although somewhat weaker) effects for this group. The effects do not appear to be propagated through socioeconomic status. Instead, preferences or cultural identities appear as key mechanisms. •We show that age at migration affects social integration in adulthood.•We compare siblings using Swedish register data on childhood migrants.•Older at arrival means less likely to live close to, work with, and marry natives.•Cultural identities more important mechanism than socioeconomic status.