The impact of immigration on unemployment and earnings among racial minorities in the United States

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2145833
AutoresA J Kposowa (0000-0002-7509-7957, University of Delaware, autor correspondente)
Ano1995
Volume18
Fascículo3
Páginas605-628
Data de publicação1995-07-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoEthnic and Racial Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0141-9870 • E-ISSN: 1466-4356
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01419870.1995.9993881
OpenAlexW2084483703
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências citadas21

The existing immigration literature presents inconsistencies and contradictions. Some studies suggest that immigration has no effect on the earnings and employment levels of native-born minorities, while others offer contrary evidence. In an effort to make more progress, a study was done to examine the impact of immigration on unemployment and earnings among racial minorities in the US. Employing United States census data covering 1940 to 1980, and using states and a sample of metropolitan statistical areas as units of analysis, this study found that increases in immigration in some periods of US history had significant negative effects on employment levels among racial minorities in the United States. Specifically, results of the regression analysis showed that, in 1970, a standard deviation change in immigration increased unemployment among minorities by nearly 14 per cent, while in 1980 unemployment increased by nearly 10 per cent, given a standard deviation increase in immigration. With regard to earnings, the study found that immigration decreases minority income. In 1980 a one per cent increase in immigration reduced racial minority earnings, on average, by nearly $25.32. Analysis also showed that low skill levels among minorities, as well as family breakdown may in part be responsible for high minority unemployment and low earnings. For example, in 1980 a one per cent increase in divorce reduced minority earnings, on average, by $65.89. Low minority skill levels reduced earnings by $104 on average. However, the deleterious effects of immigration on racial minority unemployment and earnings remain even after adjusting for the potentially confounding effects of skill levels and divorce. Policy implications of the findings are discussed at length, and suggestions are proposed for future research

Census · Demographic economics · Earnings · Economic growth · Economics · Geography · Immigration · Labour economics · Metropolitan area · Political science · Population · Sociology · Unemployment · Demography · Employment and Welfare Studies · Migration and Labor Dynamics · Migration, Ethnicity, and Economy