The Dynamics of Income, Earnings, and Poverty of the Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2006 to 2009

Eric B. Jensen, U.S. Census Bureau
Nathan P. Walters, U.S. Census Bureau

The dynamics of income, earnings, and poverty of the foreign-born population in the United States have broad implications for both immigration flows and stock characteristics. Increased economic opportunity has always been one of the strongest motivating forces behind international migration and changes in economic opportunities might influence immigration. Differences between the economic well being of the native and foreign-born populations can suggest the degree to which immigrant groups are integrated within the U.S. economy and society, and economic downturns may differentially impact the foreign-born population. This research focuses on changes in the income, earnings, and poverty status of the foreign-born population in the United States from 2006 to 2009. Using data from the 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 American Community Surveys (ACS), we analyze the changes in median household income, median earnings, and poverty status by nativity, world region of birth, and selected countries of birth.