published in: City and Community, 2005, 4 (1), 5-35
This paper is concerned with the determinants and consequences of immigrant/linguistic
concentrations (enclaves). The reasons for the formation of these concentrations are
discussed. Hypotheses are developed regarding “ethnic goods” and the effect of
concentrations on the immigrant’s language skills, as well as the effects on immigrant
earnings of destination language skills and the linguistic concentration.
These hypotheses are tested using PUMS data from the 1990 U.S. Census on adult male
immigrants from non-English speaking countries. Linguistic concentrations reduce the
immigrant’s own English language skills. Moreover, immigrant’s earnings are lower the lower
their English-language proficiency and the greater the linguistic concentration in their origin
language of the area in which they live. The adverse effects on earnings of poor destination
language skills and of immigrant concentrations exist independently of each other.
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