Visa Wait Times and Future Earnings: Evidence from the National Survey of College Graduates

Michael Coon and Miao Chi ()
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Miao Chi: Drew University

Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy, 2019, vol. 2, issue 1, No 4, 43-61

Abstract: Abstract This study explores the relationship between lawful permanent resident status and earnings. We begin by estimating wage differentials between lawful permanent residents and immigrants on temporary visas. We find a wide variation in earnings differentials according to category of temporary visa, and find a negative differential between lawful permanent residents and immigrants on temporary work visas. We then examine the effect of longer wait times to obtain a permanent resident visa on immigrants’ income. Using data from the National Survey of College Graduates, we find that immigrants who enter the US on temporary work visas earn 2% less for each year between the time of entry into the US and when their permanent resident visa is issued. We find a similar relationship for immigrants who enter on student visas and have wait times of more than 5 years. Further, we find a larger relationship for African and Latin American and Caribbean immigrants.

Keywords: Immigration; Earnings; Visa backlogs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1007/s41996-018-0024-6

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