Local exposure to refugees changed attitudes to ethnic minorities in the Netherlands

Abstract We investigate the effect of exposure to refugees on locals’ preferences with regard to ethnic minorities using individual-level panel data from the Netherlands. The data combine self-reported preferences with administrative data on the residential locations of the locals and the refugees. The study period is marked by a sudden inflow of refugees in some neighbourhoods. We find that individuals living close to refugee facilities developed a more positive attitude toward ethnic minorities and became less supportive of anti-immigration parties compared to individuals living farther away. An investigation of mechanisms suggests that the local effect is due to contact between residents and refugees.