Self-employment rates of Asian immigrant groups: an analysis of intragroup and intergroup differences
Fernandez, M.; Kim, K.C.
International migration review 32(3): 654-681
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0197-9183 PMID: 12293995 Document Number: 277475
This study examined self employment rates among Asian immigrants to the US from Korea, China, India (Gujerathi and non-Gujerathi groups), and Viet Nam, and within Asian groups. Data were obtained from the 1990 Census among immigrants who came to the US at ages older than 25 years. About 70% of post-college graduates were employed in professional, managerial, or executive (PME) occupations, but more Koreans with college degrees were engaged in self-employment. In the other Asian groups, non-college graduates were most likely to be self-employed. The multivariate logistic model, which controlled for socioeconomic characteristics, confirmed the descriptive findings. Male immigrants were proportionally more likely to be engaged in self-employment than females. The probability of self-employment was higher for married Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese than for unmarried. Immigrants who came before 1985 were more likely to be self-employed. Immigrants' age was unrelated. English proficiency increased the probability of Chinese and Gujerathi Indians being self-employed. Koreans lack of English proficiency was related to self-employment. Koreans had a higher probability of self-employment. Non-college graduates earned significantly less than college graduates, with the exception of Koreans. Asians were concentrated in retail trades, but Vietnamese were in personal services or agriculture. Non-college graduates ran retail businesses, while college graduates were wholesale traders. Higher educated immigrants operated financial businesses, especially in real estate.