Full Citation
Title: The Effects of English Proficiency among Childhood Immigrants: Are Hispanics Different?
Citation Type: Working Paper
Publication Year: 2007
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Abstract: We test whether the effect of English proficiency differs between Hispanic and non-Hispanic immigrants. Using 2000 Census microdata on childhood immigrants, we relate labor market, education, marriage and fertility variables to their age at arrival in the United States, and in particular whether that age fell within the critical period of language acquisition. We interpret the observed differences as an effect of English-language skills and construct an instrumental variable for English proficiency. Immigrants from both groups exhibit lower English proficiency if they arrive after the critical period, but this drop in English skill is larger for Hispanics. The effect of English skill on earnings and education is nevertheless quite similar across groups, while some differences are seen for marriage and fertility outcomes.
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Authors: Akbulut, Mevlude; Chin, Aimee; Bleakley, Hoyt
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Publication Number: 07/10
Institution: University College London
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Publisher Location: London, UK
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Aging and Retirement, Education, Family and Marriage, Fertility and Mortality, Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Migration and Immigration
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