Immigrant Population Change and Skill Profiles in 21st Century Gateways: A Human Capital-Based Typology of Metropolitan Destinations, 2000-2007

Matthew Hall, Pennsylvania State University
Deborah Roempke Graefe, Pennsylvania State University
Gordon F. De Jong, Pennsylvania State University
Shelley K. Irving, Pennsylvania State University

In this study, we use microdata from the 2000 U.S. Census and 2007 ACS to examine inequalities in the distribution of immigrant human capital across metropolitan destinations. Motivated by recent endeavors to document the patterning of new immigrant gateways, we develop a typology of medium- and large-sized metro areas that is sensitive to both immigrant population change and labor market skills. Preliminary results demonstrate the considerable diversity across cities in their skill profiles, variation that exists both for old and new destinations. Further developing the conceptual typology and accounting for different patterns of population change and human capital across metro areas is addressed in ongoing research.