New York City Immigrants in the Great Recession

How are immigrants faring in the economic downturn? Data released by the Fiscal Policy Institute shows that immigrants, who make up nearly half of the New York City labor force, have an unemployment rate that is slightly lower than for U.S.-born workers.

First, immigration is sensitive to labor market demand so when there are fewer jobs immigration slows. Second, lacking a safety net, immigrants are more likely to work at whatever jobs they can get. U.S.-born workers may have the resources to search longer for jobs that better match their skill level.

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