ABSTRACT

Proficiency in the use of the English language has been shown to be a relevant determinant of worker’s outcomes. Mexicans with good English ability tend to receive higher earnings than their counterparts with fair or poor dominion of such language. A cross-sectional analysis is performed for the year 1987. Using Population Survey data, which includes information on immigration status and labor market situation of workers, results show that, after controlling for human capital, industries, union membership, geographic residence, and national origin, Mexican and African American workers remain more likely to be underemployed with respect to white workers. Managers and professionals, technicians, and craft workers are less likely than operators, fabricators and laborers, to be in any of the underemployment categories rather than in the non-underemployment one. However, the chances of farm occupied workers are the same as those of the workers in the reference category of being discouraged or unemployed.