When people talk about “family-based immigration,” it’s often presented as something separate from “high-skilled immigration” or “merit-based immigration.” But this distinction can be surprising to the millions of U.S. citizens who value their spouses, children, parents, and relatives highly and believe family is an essential part of society.
“Merit-based immigration” typically refers to immigrants who are admitted to the U.S. based on their education, work skills, or job offers. However, it’s important to note that many family-sponsored immigrants are highly educated and skilled. They often have more economic freedom and opportunities than immigrants on work-based visas, who face more restrictions.
Family-Sponsored Immigrants Are Often Highly Educated
Research from the Cato Institute, based on U.S. Census data, reveals that immigrants who receive their green cards through family relationships or the Diversity Visa program are more likely to have college or graduate degrees than native-born U.S. citizens. This is particularly interesting because immigrants who gain green cards through a job offer generally already have a college degree or higher education, as this is a requirement for employment-based visas.
Additionally, the Migration Policy Institute found that the education level of immigrants has been steadily increasing. As of recent data, 48% of immigrants who arrived in the U.S. in the last few years are college graduates. That’s a significant jump compared to just 27% of immigrants a quarter-century ago.
Family-Sponsored Immigrants Contribute to the Workforce
A large percentage of family-sponsored immigrants are working-age adults. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 77% of immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are of working age. This is important because it shows that most contribute actively to the U.S. labor market. A smaller percentage (10%) are of retirement age, and these are often parents who come to live with their children.
When looking at other family-sponsored immigrants, about 36% are children. However, very few (only 1.4%) are retired seniors.
Many Family-Sponsored Immigrants Hold Professional Jobs
While DHS data on occupations is available for only about two-thirds of recent immigrants, it appears that many family-sponsored immigrants are employed in significant roles. A large number of them work as homemakers, which is an important and valuable job in itself. However, many are also in professional or managerial roles, further demonstrating the skills and education they bring to the U.S.
Factors Contributing to Higher Education Levels Among Family-Sponsored Immigrants
Family-sponsored immigrants often exhibit higher education levels compared to native-born individuals. Several interconnected factors contribute to this phenomenon, including parental education, socioeconomic status, cultural values, and the immigration process itself.
1. Parental Education and Background
Research indicates that the educational attainment of immigrant children is significantly influenced by their parents’ education levels. Studies show that children of immigrants whose parents hold higher degrees are more likely to complete postsecondary education themselves. For instance, if both parents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, the likelihood of their children attaining similar educational levels nearly doubles. This correlation highlights the importance of educational aspirations and expectations within families, where parents with advanced education tend to instill a strong value for academic success in their children.
2. Socioeconomic Status (SES)
Family socioeconomic status plays a crucial role in educational outcomes. Higher family income is often associated with better access to educational resources, such as tutoring and extracurricular activities, which can enhance academic performance. However, it is noteworthy that while family income does have some impact, the effect is less pronounced than parental education. For example, studies found that immigrant children’s university attendance was not significantly correlated with family income but rather with parental educational background and aspirations.
3. Cultural Values and Aspirations
Cultural attitudes towards education can significantly influence the educational trajectories of immigrant families. Many immigrant groups place a high value on higher education, which can lead to increased aspirations for their children. This cultural emphasis on education often translates into supportive home environments where academic achievement is prioritized.
4. Immigration Process and Selection Criteria
The immigration process itself can also affect the educational levels of family-sponsored immigrants. Many family-sponsored immigrants come from backgrounds where educational attainment is already high. For instance, data shows that a considerable percentage of family-sponsored immigrants hold college or graduate degrees—48% of recent arrivals are college graduates compared to just 27% a quarter-century ago. This trend suggests that those who immigrate through family sponsorship often come from educated backgrounds, further contributing to higher educational outcomes for their children.
5. Age and Timing of Immigration
The age at which immigrants arrive in a new country can also impact educational outcomes. Children who immigrate at a younger age tend to adapt better to the new educational environment and are more likely to pursue higher education compared to those who immigrate later in life. In Canada, for instance, children of economic immigrants have shown higher postsecondary participation rates than those from other categories, indicating that early exposure to the educational system can enhance opportunities for academic success
Family-sponsored immigrants contribute to the U.S. economy in important ways. They are often highly educated, hold professional jobs, and add considerable value to their communities. The idea that family-based immigration should be separate from skills-based or merit-based immigration is misleading, as many family-sponsored immigrants are highly skilled and educated. The U.S. benefits from the diverse talents and skills of both family-sponsored and skills-based immigrants alike.
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