Immigrant Integration in the United States: The Role of Adult English Language Training
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy · 2023 · Blake Heller、Kirsten Slungaard Mumma
中文摘要
使用和理解东道国主要语言的能力，与衡量移民融入程度的各项指标高度相关。我们利用马萨诸塞州一项公立成人教育项目的随机入学抽签，估计了英语语言培训对成年移民参与者公民参与和经济结果的因果效应。参加培训使选民投票参与率提高至原来的两倍，并使年收入增加2,400美元（56%）。收入增长带来的税收增加，随时间推移足以覆盖项目成本，为纳税人带来6%的回报。我们的研究是美国首项将成人英语语言培训作为独立干预措施进行的随机评估。（JEL D72、H75、I21、I26、J15、J24、J31）
Abstract
The ability to speak and understand a host country’s primary language is strongly associated with measures of immigrant integration. We estimate the causal effects of English language training for adult immigrants on participants’ civic and economic outcomes using randomized enrollment lotteries from a public adult education program in Massachusetts. Participation doubles voter participation and increases annual earnings by $2,400 (56 percent). Increased tax revenue from earnings gains cover program costs over time, generating a 6 percent return for taxpayers. Ours is the first randomized evaluation of adult English language training as a standalone intervention in the United States. (JEL D72, H75, I21, I26, J15, J24, J31)