Which Immigrants Are Most Innovative and Entrepreneurial? Distinctions by Entry Visa

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Labor Economics
Year: 2011
Volume: 29
Issue: 3
Pages: 417 - 457

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Using the 2003 National Survey of College Graduates, I examine how immigrants perform in activities likely to increase U.S. productivity, according to the type of visa on which they first entered the United States. Immigrants who entered on a student/trainee visa or a temporary work visa have a large advantage over natives in wages, patenting, and publishing. Much of the advantage is explained by immigrants' higher education and field of study. Immigrants who entered with legal permanent residence do not outperform natives for any of the outcomes considered. Immigrants are more likely to start companies than similar natives.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/659409
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-02-02