How do Immigrants Fare in Retirement?

Published: 2007
Project ID: UM07-09

Abstract

Immigrants may enter retirement at a significant financial disadvantage. Under current Social Security rules, immigrants are likely to receive lower benefits than US born workers. In this project we will examine how immigrants fare under Social Security and how other retirement resources differ across immigrant and non-immigrant Americans. Though any disadvantages may reflect a series of choices made by the individual, and immigrants may be financially better off in the US than their native country, the fact that immigrant families may enter retirement at a serious financial disadvantage is an important policy issue, especially in the current political climate.

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