The racialized penalties of immigrant origin: meta-analytic evidence on hiring discrimination in twelve countries

Abstract The role of discrimination in shaping the life chances of immigrants and their descendants is central to debates in the sociology of immigration. This study synthesizes evidence from 114 field experiments on hiring conducted across twelve countries, comparing discrimination against foreign-born and native-born minoritized groups in Europe and North America. Using meta-regression, we examine how callback rates vary by applicants’ place of birth, country of education, citizenship status, and racial or ethnic origin. On average, place of birth has little independent effect, though the United States may be an exception. We also find evidence that discrimination against the foreign-born may have increased in recent years. Across countries, having a foreign degree or lacking citizenship is associated with large penalties—up to 35 percent fewer callbacks for foreign-educated applicants. Racial and ethnic minoritized status consistently predicts discrimination, especially for non-European origin groups. Our findings point to racially segmented discrimination: while White immigrants tend to become less distinguishable from White natives across generations, non-White groups continue to face disadvantage. These results challenge assumptions of linear generational progress and highlight the intersecting dimensions of immigrant origin that shape exclusion from employment.