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The Effect of Family Separation and Reunification on the Educational Success of Immigrant Children in the United States

Author

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  • Gindling, T. H.

    (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)

  • Poggio, Sara Z.

    (University of Maryland, Baltimore County)

Abstract

For many immigrants, especially those from Central America and Mexico, it is common for a mother or father (or both) to migrate to the United States and leave their children behind. Then, after the parent(s) have achieved some degree of stability in the United States, the children follow. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we examined the hypothesis that separation during migration results in problems at school after re-unification. We find that children separated from parents during migration are more likely to be behind others their age in school and are more likely to drop out of high school.

Suggested Citation

  • Gindling, T. H. & Poggio, Sara Z., 2010. "The Effect of Family Separation and Reunification on the Educational Success of Immigrant Children in the United States," IZA Discussion Papers 4887, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4887
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. World Bank, 2012. "Better Jobs in Central America : The Role of Human Capital," World Bank Publications - Reports 11924, The World Bank Group.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    immigrant children; education; family separation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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