Full Citation

Title: Immigrant Earnings Assimilation in the United States: A Panel Analysis

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

ISBN:

ISSN: 0734306X

DOI: 10.1086/708615

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: We construct the first long-term comparison of cross-sectional and panel estimates of immigrant earnings assimilation in the United States from a single data source. Unlike previous results, we find that selective out-migration of higher-earning immigrants biases downward cross-sectional estimates for all education groups. Cross-sectional estimates dramatically understate earnings growth for high-skilled foreign-born workers. The bias stems from both selective out-migration and selective employment; among high-skilled immigrants, low earners find employment with a substantial delay, while high earners work immediately on arrival. We present suggestive evidence that the H-1B visa program may play a role in estimated immigrant earnings dynamics.

Url: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/708615

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Authors: Rho, Deborah; Sanders, Seth

Periodical (Full): Journal of Labor Economics

Issue: 1

Volume: 39

Pages: 37-78

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Migration and Immigration

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