A Surprising Positive Effect of Immigration? Caregiver Work Decisions and Local Immigration Levels

Abstract

Our study examines the relationship between higher levels of immigration and labor force participation and hours worked of older Americans who are providing informal disability care at home. Using 2019–2025 Current Population Survey (CPS) data, we find a positive and robust empirical association between immigration levels and work choices among older caregivers. Specifically, the presence of non-citizens positively relates with increased labor force participation of Americans over age 50 living with a disabled individual at home by 1.7 percentage points (3.9%), and by 2.2 percentage points (5.6%) for women. We additionally find that, among those living with a disabled individual at home, more highly educated women display an increase in their hours worked by 1.8 h per week (4.6%), whereas women with less education display an increase in their labor force participation by 4 percentage points (11.1%). Our study clarifies the potential effect of US immigration policies on its disabled community and on the work hours and participation rates of those living with disabled individuals.