Immigrants in the U.S suffering more than native-born workers from economic downturn

Immigrants in the United States surpassed native-born workers in several key ways from the mid-1990s through 2007, recording higher employment and lower jobless rates.

But that trend was reversed with the onset of the current recession, according to the latest report from the Migration Policy Institute.

The report titled  "Tied to the Business Cycle: How Immigrants Fare in Good and Bad Economic Times" analyzes employment and unemployment patterns over the last 15 years and two recessions. It shows that economic measurements for immigrants began deteriorating before the current recession officially began in December 2007, tracing immigrants' declining fortunes largely to the housing bust that began in spring 2006.

Immigrants now comprise 13% of the U.S. population and a slightly larger share -- more than 15% -- of the labor force. The report goes on to say about immigrants from Latin America:

"The fact that Latino immigrants have particularly cyclical labor market outcomes is interesting because several forces exacerbate cyclicality while others smooth outcomes among this group. The relatively low education levels among Latin American immigrants increase their vulnerability to the business cycle. Unauthorized immigration also plays a role. Over half of Mexican immigrants are in the United States illegally, and the number of workers illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border changes quickly in response to shifts in employment conditions in the United States. This illegal immigration tends to increase the cyclicality of Latin American immigrants' employment and unemployment rates because many unauthorized immigrants enter only when they can find work," says the report.

Click on the links to the report above to find out more about the research.

-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City

Comments

[JL]

I am assuming they are talking about ILLEGAL immigrants. If so, GOOD, they are not wanted here and are breaking the law by being in the USA illegally.
Out, damn illegal, OUT!

[Estoban]

This is just one more reason to hasten deporting of lawbreaking illegal aliens. Their presence leads directly to suffering for legal immigrants and lower skilled Americans.

[steve]

Suffer more? Take more benefits? What is the argument here? every single alien "BROKE THE LAW!" Our Government, past & present, Republican & Democrat, have allowed the invasion of 20 to 30 million criminals and uneducated peons which is the largest invasion of any Nation, at any time, by any means & in direct violation of Article IV, Section IV of our Constitution.

This refusal to abide by our Constitution or enforce our Immigration Laws should be classified as Treason of the most foul kind, & as grounds for impeachment & trials for Treason!

Not only have they allowed the invasion, they force American tax payers to pay Billions on Billions of dollars to provide Welfare, Prison cells, Educate the invaders numerous children, and free medical care, at the same time the invading horde break numerous laws and massive document fraud, & are destroying our schools, hospitals, communities, culture and standard of living while Robbing, Raping, Killing & Assaulting American Citizens WAKE UP PEOPLE!