Fertility Assimilation of Immigrants: A Varying Coefficient Count Data Model

This study presents the first econometric application of the
Poisson varying coefficient (PVC) model. This count data model is
applied to investigate immigrant fertility adjustment after
migration. Data on completed fertility are taken from the 1996 wave
of the German Socioeconomic Panel (GSOEP). We find evidence in
favor of the assimilation model according to which immigrant
fertility converges to native levels over time. Other determinants
of completed fertility are marital history and female human
capital, well in accordance with theoretical predictions.