The Comparison of Economic Assimilation Between Indian and Chinese Immigrants in the United States

Authors

Zongda Tu '14, Illinois Wesleyan UniversityFollow

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine and compare economic assimilation of Indian and Chinese immigrants over time in the United States. On the one hand, because both groups come from fast growing developing countries in Asia, they could follow the same career path and face the same income disparity in the United States with natives. On the other hand, Indian immigrants have a higher level of English proficiency than Chinese immigrants do, so Indians might have an advantage over Chinese immigrants in terms of assimilation with natives. Based on data from IPUMS CPS (1995, 2000, 2005 & 2010), this paper applies the regression methodology, theories of assimilation and human capital, age earnings profile and the theoretical correlation between language proficiency and economic assimilation of immigrants. The study follows cohorts of Indian and Chinese immigrants in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. It is designed to re-examine and expand the conclusions of previous studies and explain similarities and difference in economic assimilation for these two immigrant groups.

Recommended Citation

Tu, Zongda '14 (2013) "The Comparison of Economic Assimilation Between Indian and Chinese Immigrants in the United States," The Park Place Economist: Vol. 21
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol21/iss1/19