Post Service Labor Market Performance of Immigrant Veterans

Abstract

ABSTRACTMy research examines the labor market performance of prime-age (20-54) male immigrant veterans in the all-volunteer era, using the American Community Survey (2010-2019) and a linear regression model. I compare them with two reference groups: U.S.-born male veterans and non-veteran male immigrants. Immigrant veterans show higher labor force participation and employment rates compared to U.S.-born veterans. Conversely, when compared to non-veteran immigrants, the trend is reversed. Overall, no statistically significant disparities are found in labor income and wage analysis. However, heterogeneous effects emerge based on education level, race, and birthplace. Immigrant veterans earn less income compared to U.S.-born veterans in the non-Hispanic White group, while no significant differences are observed in other races. Furthermore, compared to non-veteran immigrants, Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic Black immigrant veterans have higher labor incomes or wages, especially for those with a high school education as their highest level of attainment. In contrast, non-Hispanic White immigrant veterans earn less, particularly among individuals with a college education. Additionally, immigrant veterans from developed countries have lower incomes and wages compared to their non-veteran counterparts, whereas no such disadvantage is observed for immigrants from developing countries. These findings suggest potential advantages associated with military service in minority groups.