Occupational Licensing and Immigrants

This study examines the incidence and impact of occupational licensing on immigrants using two sources data: Current Population Survey Income Program Participation. We find that are significantly less likely to have a license than similar natives this gap is largest for men, workers in highest education level, nonnaturalized immigrants. The rate increases with years since migration shows large variation by immigrants’ region origin. A lack English proficiency reduces probability an immigrant has license. wage premium from having much larger natives, though may part reflect status proxying English-language ability.