The Effects of Foreign-Born Peers in US High Schools and Middle Schools

Citation

Fletcher, Jason; Kim, Jinho; Nobles, Jenna; Ross, Stephen; & Shaorshadze, Irina (2021). The Effects of Foreign-Born Peers in US High Schools and Middle Schools. Journal of Human Capital. vol. 15 (3) pp. 432-468

Abstract

This study examines the short-term and long-term impact of being educated with immigrant peers. We leverage a quasi-experimental design using across-grade, within-school variation in cohort/grade composition for students in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. We find positive effects for foreign-born students compared with native-born students from increasing exposure to other foreign-born students, including on risky health behaviors, social isolation, mental health, and academic effort. While we find negative effects on language and educational attainment, these differences do not translate into worse socioeconomic status in adulthood. Finally, we present evidence suggesting that these differential effects stem from highly segregated, school friendship networks.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1086/715019

Keyword(s)

ACADEMIC-ACHIEVEMENT

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Human Capital

Author(s)

Fletcher, Jason
Kim, Jinho
Nobles, Jenna
Ross, Stephen
Shaorshadze, Irina

Year Published

2021

Volume Number

15

Issue Number

3

Pages

432-468

DOI

10.1086/715019

Reference ID

9424