The influence of social programs in source countries on various classes ofUS immigration

This article uses a unique set of pooled cross-sectional and rime series da ta to examine the annual rate of U.S, immigration during 1972-1991 from 60 source countries. One distinguishing feature of the article is that it brea ks out and cross-classifies various classes of immigrants-numerically limit ed versus numerically exempt and new immigrant versus adjustment of status. A second distinguishing feature is that it utilizes a unique vector of var iables relating to the presence and characteristics of various social progr ams in source countries. The models developed here emphasize the importance of both differential economic advantage and the ease with which a prospect ive migrant can transfer skills to the U.S. labor market. Hausman-Taylor in strumental variable estimates of the coefficients indicate that in addition to other Factors, social programs in source countries are significant dete rminants of immigration to the U.S.A.