Linguistic and Economic Adjustment Among Immigrants in Israel

54 Pages Posted: 19 Sep 2016 Last revised: 16 Apr 2023

See all articles by Barry R. Chiswick

Barry R. Chiswick

University of Illinois at Chicago; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Uzi Rebhun

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Nadia Beider

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Abstract

This paper analyzes the Hebrew language proficiency, probability of employment, and labor market earnings of immigrants in Israel. It uses the 2010/11 Immigrant Absorption Survey conducted by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics. Unique features of the analysis include the study of long-duration immigrants (3 to 20 years), and analyses for: males and females, primary reasons for immigration, the subsidized intensive Hebrew language training program (ulpan), Ethiopian Jews, and Jewish and non-Jewish immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU), in addition to standard immigration, demographic, and human capital variables.Results from multivariate analyses largely accord with the "standard theoretical model" of language proficiency regarding the mechanisms of "exposure", "efficiency", and "economic incentives". Acquaintance with the local language, on its part, increases the likelihood of being employed, and it has positive earnings outcomes. We discuss implications of the findings for public policy which can improve the adjustment of these new immigrants into their new society hence also moderate inter-group tensions.

Keywords: Israel, language proficiency, employment, earnings, motive for immigration, immigrants, ulpan

JEL Classification: F22, J15, J24, J61

Suggested Citation

Chiswick, Barry R. and Rebhun, Uzi and Beider, Nadia, Linguistic and Economic Adjustment Among Immigrants in Israel. IZA Discussion Paper No. 10214, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2840158 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2840158

Barry R. Chiswick (Contact Author)

University of Illinois at Chicago ( email )

601 S. Morgan Street, Room 2103UH
Chicago, IL 60607-7121
United States
312-996-2683 (Phone)
312-996-3344 (Fax)

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

P.O. Box 7240
Bonn, D-53072
Germany

Uzi Rebhun

Hebrew University of Jerusalem ( email )

Mount Scopus
Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905
Israel

Nadia Beider

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Mount Scopus
Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905
Israel

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