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The Effect of Immigration on Native Self-Employment

Author

Listed:
  • Robert W. Fairlie

    (University of California, Santa Cruz)

  • Bruce D. Meyer

    (Northwestern University and National Bureau of Economic Research)

Abstract

We examine the impact of immigration on self-employed natives. In a new general equilibrium model of self-employment and wage/salary work, a range of plausible parameter values implies small negative effects of immigration on native self-employment rates and earnings. Using 1980 and 1990 Census microdata, we then examine the relationship between changes in immigration and native self-employment rates and earnings across 132 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas. We find evidence suggesting that self-employed immigrants displace self-employed natives but do not have a negative effect on native self-employment earnings. The effects are much larger than those predicted by the theoretical model.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert W. Fairlie & Bruce D. Meyer, 2003. "The Effect of Immigration on Native Self-Employment," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 21(3), pages 619-650, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:v:21:y:2003:i:3:p:619-650
    DOI: 10.1086/374961
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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