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How Do Migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean Fare in the US Labour Market?

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  • Francisco L. Rivera†Batiz

Abstract

This paper discusses the causes of mass migration from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to the United States in recent decades and how these migrants have fared in US labour markets. The evidence shows that LAC migrants have higher unemployment rates and substantially lower wages than other immigrants and natives. Furthermore, the relative wages of LAC migrants have been declining sharply over the last 25 years. The most significant factor explaining the latter is the lower (and declining) educational attainment of LAC migrants relative to other immigrants and natives, compounded by the rising rates of return to education in the US.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco L. Rivera†Batiz, 2007. "How Do Migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean Fare in the US Labour Market?," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(9), pages 1399-1429, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:worlde:v:30:y:2007:i:9:p:1399-1429
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2007.01049.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard H. Adams, 2006. "International Remittances and the Household: Analysis and Review of Global Evidence," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 15(2), pages 396-425, December.
    2. David Card & Ethan G. Lewis, 2007. "The Diffusion of Mexican Immigrants during the 1990s: Explanations and Impacts," NBER Chapters, in: Mexican Immigration to the United States, pages 193-228, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. George J. Borjas & Lawrence F. Katz, 2007. "The Evolution of the Mexican-Born Workforce in the United States," NBER Chapters, in: Mexican Immigration to the United States, pages 13-56, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Mishra, Prachi, 2007. "Emigration and wages in source countries: Evidence from Mexico," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 82(1), pages 180-199, January.
    5. Hanson, Gordon H., 2005. "Why Does Immigration Divide America? Public Finance and Political Opposition to Open Borders," Peterson Institute Press: All Books, Peterson Institute for International Economics, number 4000, April.
    6. Gordon H. Hanson, 2007. "Emigration, Labor Supply, and Earnings in Mexico," NBER Chapters, in: Mexican Immigration to the United States, pages 289-328, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    7. Cornelius, Wayne A. & Marcelli, Enrico A., 2000. "The Changing Profile of Mexican Migrants to the United States: New Evidence from California and Mexico," IZA Discussion Papers 220, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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    Cited by:

    1. Ayumi Takenaka & Karen A. Pren, 2010. "Determinants of Emigration: Comparing Migrants’ Selectivity from Peru and Mexico," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 630(1), pages 178-193, July.
    2. Carl Lin, 2016. "How Do Immigrants From Taiwan Fare In The U.S. Labor Market?," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 61(05), pages 1-38, December.
    3. Fang, Tony & Hsu, Mei & Lin, Carl, 2024. "Migrants from a Different Shore: Earnings and Economic Assimilation of Immigrants from China in the United States," IZA Discussion Papers 17251, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Henderson, Daniel J. & Polachek, Solomon W. & Wang, Le, 2011. "Heterogeneity in schooling rates of return," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(6), pages 1202-1214.
    5. Carl Lin & Tony Fang & Mei Hsu, 2024. "Migrants from a Different Shore: Earnings and Economic Assimilation of Immigrants from China in the United States," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 45(3), pages 305-349, September.
    6. Kaczmarczyk, Pawel & Tyrowicz, Joanna, 2015. "Winners and Losers among Skilled Migrants: The Case of Post-Accession Polish Migrants to the UK," IZA Discussion Papers 9057, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    7. Antón, José-Ignacio & Carrera, Miguel & Muñoz de Bustillo, Rafael, 2009. "How are you doing in your grandpa’s country? Labour market performance of Latin American immigrants in Spain," MPRA Paper 15051, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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