Characteristics and Labor Market Behavior of the Legalized Population Five YearsFollowing Legalization

摘要

The report concerns beneficiaries of section 245A of the Immigration andNationality Act, the legalization progam for aliens who could demonstrate illegal residence in the United States since the end of 1981. The study draws heavily on a national longitudinal survey of legalized aliens, the two waves of which track changes in the characteristics and behavior of 'pre-1982s' from the time they first entered the United States until they had been legally resident for up to 5 years. After 5 years of work authorization, many still occupied jobs simialr to those held at first entry. Employment in agriculture and household services, however, continued to decline--the latter apparently signalling movement out of the underground economy. The benefits of legalization appear to have been greatest for those who could enhance existing skills through education or training--investments that may have required command of the English language.