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Work Authorization Delays and Economic Integration of Asylum Seekers in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Amuedo-Dorantes, Catalina

    (University of California, Merced)

  • Bucheli, Jose

    (University of Texas at El Paso)

Abstract

Access to the labor market is crucial for the economic integration of asylum seekers. This study estimates the causal impact of work authorization timing on the labor market outcomes of likely asylum seekers. We link USCIS administrative records with American Community Survey microdata and use congestion-driven variation in processing times within an instrumental variable framework. Faster authorization boosts labor force participation, employment, and earnings, while effects on hours worked and occupational choices are modest. The impacts are concentrated within the first decade after arrival and diminish over time, indicating that processing delays slow integration but do not permanently hinder it.

Suggested Citation

  • Amuedo-Dorantes, Catalina & Bucheli, Jose, 2026. "Work Authorization Delays and Economic Integration of Asylum Seekers in the United States," IZA Discussion Papers 18462, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18462
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Courtney Brell & Christian Dustmann & Ian Preston, 2020. "The Labor Market Integration of Refugee Migrants in High-Income Countries," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 34(1), pages 94-121, Winter.
    2. Ilana Redstone Akresh, 2008. "Occupational Trajectories of Legal US Immigrants: Downgrading and Recovery," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 34(3), pages 435-456, September.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J68 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Public Policy
    • K37 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Immigration Law

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