Children of Immigrants

Economic Well-Being

By the Urban Institute

November 1, 2010

Summary

This data brief is the fourth in a series that profiles children of immigrants using up-to-date census data and other sources. It focuses on immigrant families’ incomes, well-being and use of specific benefits.

Many immigrant families demonstrate a high work effort. Despite this, income varies for different countries and regions of origins, but overall immigrant parents earn significantly less than native-born parents. This brief presents findings based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey.

Key Takeaway

Children of immigrants live in families with median incomes 20% lower than the family incomes of children of natives.

Children of immigrants are more likely than children with native-born parents to have family incomes below the federal poverty level.

Findings & Stats