About the Event: Despite a growing interest in migration questions, systematic analysis of immigration policies across time and a large number of countries is difficult. Most studies in this field have focused on individual cases or comparisons of a small number of countries. The aim of this talk is to present the Immigration Policies in Comparison (IMPIC) dataset, which proposes a new and comprehensive method to measure immigration regulations. The data set covers all major fields and dimensions of immigration policies for thirty-three OECD countries between 1980 and 2010, and allows scholars and researchers to systematically investigate causes and effects of migration policies.The presenter will discuss how immigration policies have been conceptualized and measured. He will offer an analysis: First, how policies evolved across time, to what extent regulations became more restrictive or liberal and whether or not they converged. Second, how effective policies are, to what extent more restrictive policies lead to lower immigration rates and how important the effect is compared to socio-economic aspects that might attract or deter migrants.