Temporary Worker Advantages? A Comparison of Mexican Immigrants' Employment Outcomes

• In Event: 242 - Section on International Migration Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 15. Temporary Migration

Abstract

Most studies of Mexican immigrants’ labor market outcomes overlook temporary workers. Using data from the Mexican Migration Project, I compare temporary workers’ labor market experiences with those of legal permanent residents (LPRs) and undocumented workers. I examine hourly wages, occupational prestige, and job stability. Together, comparisons reveal that temporary workers experience the poorest employment outcomes. While temporary workers’ hourly wages fall between the wages of LPRs and undocumented workers, they work fewer months and hold less prestigious jobs than both groups. These patterns suggest that temporary workers’ dependence on their employer prevents their upward advancement and job stability.

Author

• Lauren Apgar, Indiana University