The Impact of Migration to the United States and Costa Rica on Nicaraguan Fertility

Bryan M. Giblin, Florida State University
Kathleen M. Heyman, Florida State University
Naomi J. Spence, Florida State University

We examine the impact of migration to the United States and Costa Rica on the fertility of Nicaraguan women, using the Latin American Migration Project (LAMP-NIC5). Focusing on the differential influences of migration to these two countries, we analyze women's transitions to first and subsequent births. Preliminary results based on the transition to first and second births indicate that 1) migration to Costa Rica prior to marriage shortens the interval to first birth, and 2) international migration has a negative effect on the likelihood of second births, particularly for husbands with U.S. migration experience. Analyses currently in progress include: a larger sample population, measures of both women's migration and community context, and estimates of the likelihood of higher order births.