

Ran Abramitzky and Leah Boustan on Immigration Then and Now
Jul 4, 2022
Ran Abramitzky and Leah Boustan, economists and co-authors of "Streets of Gold," delve into the journey of immigrants in the U.S. They reveal that, while initial economic struggles are common, immigrant children often achieve higher upward mobility than their native-born peers. The discussion also touches on changing attitudes toward immigration over the decades and highlights the importance of historical data in understanding the long-term success of immigrant families. Personal stories illustrate the intricate balance of cultural assimilation and identity.
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Immigrant Population Then and Now
- Immigrants make up about one-seventh of the U.S. population, similar to the proportion in 1900.
- Unlike open European immigration of the past, today's immigrants face stricter restrictions, with many being undocumented.
Recurring Fears of Non-Assimilation
- Fears about immigrant assimilation are not new; they existed in the past with groups like Germans in St. Louis.
- Concerns about immigrants' ability to integrate into American society have been a recurring theme throughout history.
Historical Parallels in Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
- Negative views about immigrants existed in the past, similar to today.
- Past criticisms targeted groups like the Irish and Italians, mirroring modern concerns about other groups.