Full Citation

Title: The Role of English Fluency in Migrant Assimilation: Evidence from United States History

Citation Type: Working Paper

Publication Year: 2016

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Abstract: I estimate the premium for speaking English and the rate of language acquisition in the early 20th century US using new linked data on over half a million migrants. Compared with todays migrants, early 20th century migrants arrived with much lower levels of proficiency, yet many acquired language skills rapidly after arrival. Learning to speak English was correlated with a small upgrade in occupational-based earnings (2 to 6%); the premium has at least doubled between 1900 and 2010, revealing that English fluency has become an increasingly large barrier to migration over time.

Url: https://www.cbe.anu.edu.au/researchpapers/ceh/WP201606.pdf

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Authors: Ward, Zachary

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Publication Number: 2016-06

Institution: Australian National University

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Publisher Location: Acton, Australia

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Education, Migration and Immigration

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