Effects of Occupational License Access on Undocumented Immigrants: Evidence from the California Reform

Bobby W. Chung ()
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Bobby W. Chung: University of South Florida

No 2023-02, Working Papers from University of South Florida, Department of Economics

Abstract: In 2014, California lifted legal work status requirement for dozens of occupational licenses - a major obstacle for undocumented immigrants in the US to access professional jobs. This paper assesses its effects on the employment outcome of undocumented immigrants in California. Analysing likely undocumented immigrants in the American Community Survey, I find that the law increased their employment, particularly in lower-skill or blue-collar licensed occupations, and older or Hispanic workers. I also find the law did not crowd out documented or domestic workers.

Keywords: Occupational licensing; Undocumented immigrants; Employment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J15 J44 K37 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-iue, nep-lab, nep-law, nep-mig and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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