This thesis explores the intersection of migration, education, and labor market integration in Switzerland through three empirical studies, each addressing distinct aspects of how migration policies and external conditions impact both natives and refugees. The first study examines the influence of a high-skilled immigration shock on young natives’ educational outcomes, leveraging the variation in the inflow of skilled cross-border workers into Switzerland. It reveals that the increased availability of high-skilled workers led to a shift toward tertiary education, though this effect is not consistent across all cohorts. The second study investigates the economic integration of refugees in Switzerland, utilizing a unique longitudinal dataset to track refugees over a 20-year period. The study shows that local labor market conditions at arrival, particularly unemployment rates, significantly affect refugees’ integration trajectories, while co-ethnic networks play a less decisive role. Moreover, it highlights that more restrictive attitudes toward refugees at the canton level (relative to attitudes in other cantons) can lead to improved employment outcomes for subsequent cohorts. The third study focuses on gender differences in labor market integration among refugees. It finds that source country culture and initial local conditions, including attitudes toward gender equality, are critical factors influencing labor market outcomes, particularly for women. Across these studies, the thesis underscores the importance of understanding long-term dynamics and the varying effects of local conditions and policies in shaping both native and refugee outcomes in education and employment.