Assimilation Differences among Africans in America

Data from the 1990 Census of Population are used to assess the earnings attainment of male African immigrants, their Caribbean-born counterparts, and native-born African Americans. Although Africans earn more than both Caribbean immigrants and native-born blacks, controlling for relevant earnings-related endowments erases the African advantage, and elevates Caribbean earnings above those of the other two groups. The findings also trace a substantial African (but not Caribbean) disadvantage, wherein university degree holders, particularly those with degrees earned abroad, receive little, if any, reward for their degrees. Implications of the findings are discussed.