Credentials for the Future: Mapping the Potential for Immigrant-Origin Adults in the United States

Credentials for the Future: Mapping the Potential for Immigrant-Origin Adults in the United States examines characteristics of the immigrant-origin adult population (the foreign-born and their U.S.-born children), focusing on the subset of 30 million immigrants who lack post-secondary credentials and who are not in school. The report breaks down this population by age group, English language ability, state of residence, racial characteristics, and immigration status. The authors then analyze the effects of having a non-degree credential — such as a professional certificate or occupational license — on labor-force participation, unemployment, and wages. As one would expect, persons with non-degree credentials, regardless of education, have higher labor force participation, lower unemployment, and higher wages. The paper concludes with a section on policy implications. Given that immigrants and their children will account for nearly all future labor force growth, the authors stress that helping a significant share of these 30 million immigrant-origin adults obtain credentials will be a crucial component of meeting state and national workforce training goals. The special needs of this population include workforce training linked to English language learning, and obtaining legal status. The report mentions policy changes at the federal, state, and local level to facilitate the incorporation of these individuals into the workforce. At the same time, Trump administration policies — including the drastic cuts in refugee admissions that are hollowing out resettlement infrastructure and the effort to change the “public charge” regulations to eliminate supports that immigrant-origin adults rely on while completing education or workforce training — will make it more difficult for the nation to meet its workforce needs. (Maurice Belanger, Maurice Belanger Consulting)

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