Linguistic and Economic Adjustment among Immigrants in Israel

Barry Chiswick, Uzi Rebhun () and Nadia Beider
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Uzi Rebhun: Hebrew University, Jerusalem
Nadia Beider: Hebrew University, Jerusalem

No 10214, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This paper analyzes the Hebrew language proficiency, probability of employment, and labor market earnings of immigrants in Israel. It uses the 2010/11 Immigrant Absorption Survey conducted by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics. Unique features of the analysis include the study of long-duration immigrants (3 to 20 years), and analyses for: males and females, primary reasons for immigration, the subsidized intensive Hebrew language training program (ulpan), Ethiopian Jews, and Jewish and non-Jewish immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), in addition to standard immigration, demographic, and human capital variables. Results from multivariate analyses largely accord with the "standard theoretical model" of language proficiency regarding the mechanisms of "exposure", "efficiency", and "economic incentives". Acquaintance with the local language, on its part, increases the likelihood of being employed, and it has positive earnings outcomes. We discuss implications of the findings for public policy which can improve the adjustment of these new immigrants into their new society hence also moderate inter-group tensions.

Keywords: Israel; language proficiency; employment; earnings; motive for immigration; immigrants; ulpan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F22 J15 J24 J61 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 54 pages
Date: 2016-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-int, nep-lab, nep-mig and nep-sog
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published - published as 'Language Acquisition, Employment Status, and the Earnings of Jewish and non-Jewish Immigrants in Israel' in: International Migration, 2020, 58 (2), 205 - 232

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