When Americans picture an immigrant entrepreneur, they likely imagine a man who began the migration of his family later bringing his wife over to become a volunteer assistant in the shop. This image is straying farther and farther from reality as more women open their own enterprises. Yet the idea that immigrant women might be the owners and originators of some of our restaurants, motels, Silicon Valley hi-tech firms, local real-estate agencies or other entrepreneurial ventures has yet to become conventional wisdom.

Report File: 

IPC--Our_American_Immigrant_Entrepreneurs-The_Women.pdf

Supporting Skilled Immigrants: A Toolkit for ESL Practitioners (click to view)

The number of U.S. residents who are deemed to be Limited English Proficient (LEP) has increased substantially in recent decades consistent with the growth of the U.S. foreign-born population. With LEP individuals now representing nine percent of the U.S. population, an increasing number of states and localities must grapple with issues of communication and English language learning.

Report File: 

MPI--Limited_English_Proficient_Individuals_in_the_United_States.pdf

Assimilation Today: New Evidence Shows the Latest Immigrants to America Are Following in Our History’s Footsteps (click to view)

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.

Report File: 

FPI--NYC_Immigrants_In_Great_Recession.pdf