*Direct correspondence to Marie T. Mora or Alberto Dávila, Department of Economics & Finance, College of Business Administration, UT-Pan American, Edinburg, TX 78541-2999 〈mtmora@utpa.edu〉 or 〈adavila@utpa.edu〉. Individuals wishing to replicate this study should contact Marie Mora for data and coding information. The IPUMS data are publicly available and can be downloaded directly from 〈http://www.ipums.org〉. The authors gratefully acknowledge William E. Even, Madeline Zavodny, and other session participants at the 2003 Southern Economic Association Annual Conference for their helpful comments. The authors also appreciate the suggestions made by two anonymous reviewers.
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Mexican Immigrant Self-Employment Along the U.S.-Mexico Border: An Analysis of 2000 Census Data†
Article first published online: 7 FEB 2006
DOI: 10.1111/j.0038-4941.2006.00370.x
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How to Cite
Mora, M. T. and Dávila, A. (2006), Mexican Immigrant Self-Employment Along the U.S.-Mexico Border: An Analysis of 2000 Census Data. Social Science Quarterly, 87: 91–109. doi: 10.1111/j.0038-4941.2006.00370.x
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Publication History
- Issue published online: 7 FEB 2006
- Article first published online: 7 FEB 2006
- Abstract
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Objective. This study explores the entrepreneurial tendencies of Mexican immigrants in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) on the U.S. side of the Mexican border vis-à-vis the U.S. interior.
Methods. Using 2000 Census data available in the 5% Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, we empirically analyze the self-employment rates and earnings of Mexican immigrants residing in U.S. cities near Mexico versus those in nonborder MSAs.
Results. Our findings indicate that Mexican immigrants in MSAs along the U.S.-Mexico border have significantly higher self-employment rates (but lower earnings) than their counterparts in the rest of the United States and non-Hispanic whites in border cities. Explanations for these findings include the existence of trade opportunities in U.S. border cities as well as intense labor market competition that crowds a greater share of immigrants into self-employment.
Conclusion. Immigration reform that curtails the immigration flow from Mexico might hinder small business formation and economic development on the U.S. side of the Mexican border.