Immigrant Integration in Low-income Urban Neighborhoods

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Abstract

How are immigrants integrating in U.S. inner cities? To answer this question, this report draws on a unique survey of residents in 10 vulnerable urban neighborhoods to examine the financial well-being and economic integration of families of different racial, ethnic, and nativity status. The paper explores the extent to which the economic well-being of immigrant groups is influenced by specific factors related to their immigrant status, compared with members of native-born minority groups and native-born whites. Among the main findings from the analysis is that families with children across all groups are especially vulnerable. In addition, we find that immigrants and native minorities in the neighborhoods we examine face similar types of economic difficulties—although to varying degrees. However, after controlling for citizenship, English proficiency, education and having a driver's license and a reliable car, many of the economic disadvantages disappear for immigrant groups, but not for native-born minorities. These findings suggest that even in these tough neighborhoods, the potential for economic integration of immigrants is strong.

Introduction

Many families in low-income urban neighborhoods face substantial hardship, financial insecurity and serious challenges to economic advancement—despite considerable work effort. This is particularly true of immigrant families, where connections to opportunities and formal services can be tenuous. This paper explores the comparative integration and financial well-being of immigrant groups in several vulnerable urban communities with an eye toward improving their economic prospects and strengthening their connections to services and supports. This analysis looks within these neighborhoods to examine the circumstances of families of different racial, ethnic, and nativity status to discuss similarities and differences in pathways to upward mobility and asset building among these groups. By holding the neighborhood context constant, the analysis focuses on the individual characteristics that are most crucial to the economic success of immigrant families and traditionally marginalized native groups.

Historically, racial and ethnic minorities (regardless of immigrant status) have fared less well than whites on a range of economic indicators. Even within the same low-income neighborhoods, substantial differences in economic security persist across these groups, indicating that race, ethnicity, and nativity play an important role in the well-being of families and their links to opportunity. Evidence from the literature shows that immigrants and native minorities in low-income neighborhoods share many important challenges such as poor quality schooling, job discrimination and constrained residential choice. However, many aspects of their economic circumstances and opportunities differ in important ways. Immigrants often face the additional difficulties of limited English proficiency, lack of citizenship status and discrimination. Furthermore, the complex historical inequities between native whites and blacks have led to economic imbalances between these two groups that are often more pervasive and pernicious than those between native whites and other ethnic minorities (including immigrants). Consequently, while the outcomes for immigrants and native minorities may look similar on the surface, their underlying causes may be quite different. This paper explores some of these underlying issues to help to identify specific needs that can inform programs and interventions to improve access to the resources that can empower residents of these communities to transform their lives.

Through this analysis we are able to examine both the influence of immigrant-related risk factors (lack of citizenship status and limited English proficiency), and many of the risk factors typically faced by all lowincome minority groups. We attempt to determine the extent to which the economic well-being of immigrant groups is influenced by specific factors related to their immigrant status, compared with members of a native-born minority groups and native-born whites.

Insights from this analysis should provide helpful lessons about the types of policies that might offer assistance with the integration of residents in these challenging neighborhoods—particularly for immigrants. A clearer understanding of the unique circumstances of immigrants should lead to more focused and accurate policy prescriptions for greater access to opportunity and upward mobility.

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The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

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