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Immigrant Integration in the United States: The Role of Adult English Language Training

Author

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  • Blake H. Heller
  • Kirsten Slungaard Mumma

Abstract

The ability to speak and understand a host country's primary language is strongly associated with measures of immigrant integration. We estimate the causal effects of English language training for adult immigrants on participants' civic and economic outcomes using randomized enrollment lotteries from a public adult education program in Massachusetts. Participation doubles voter participation and increases annual earnings by $2,400 (56 percent). Increased tax revenue from earnings gains cover program costs over time, generating a 6 percent return for taxpayers. Ours is the first randomized evaluation of adult English language training as a standalone intervention in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Blake H. Heller & Kirsten Slungaard Mumma, 2023. "Immigrant Integration in the United States: The Role of Adult English Language Training," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 15(3), pages 407-437, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:407-37
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20210336
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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