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Immigrants and Wealth Stratification In The U.S

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  • Lingxin Hao

Abstract

This study examines the importance of including immigrants in studies of wealth stratification by race-ethnicity in the United States. We address the uniqueness of immigrants in both our descriptive and multivariate analyses. In the former, we construct a measure of “wealth age” that takes into account immigrants’ lengths of residence in the U.S. For the latter, we consider immigrants’ migration and adaptation history and the immigrant-native differences in factors sorting wealth accumulation. Our descriptive analysis shows greater differences in wealth distribution, zero and negative wealth holdings, wealth components, and age-wealth profiles by race-ethnicity than by immigrant status. The age-wealth profiles are steeper for immigrants than for the native-born when “wealth age” is used. The multivariate analysis uses a framework integrating life cycle theory, status attainment theory, human capital theory, and theories related to social contexts. Our study finds a positive effect of immigrant status on wealth accumulation, in contrast to the impairing effects of race-ethnic minorities. Immigrants’ migration and adaptation history also plays a role in their wealth accumulation. In addition, our analysis reveals significant structural differences between immigrants and natives—a lesser role of education and spatial segregation in wealth accumulation for immigrants—and between whites and minorities—a greater role of education for minorities. Implications for social stratification, spatial segregation, and immigrant assimilation are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lingxin Hao, 2001. "Immigrants and Wealth Stratification In The U.S," JCPR Working Papers 216, Northwestern University/University of Chicago Joint Center for Poverty Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:wop:jopovw:216
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    References listed on IDEAS

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