[Immigration and the economy of the United States]

"This paper is concerned with how immigration and immigration policy have influenced the economy of the United States. It focuses on the events of the past quarter century, particularly since the enactment of the 1965 Amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act. It begins with a review of the demographic characteristics of immigrants and how these characteristics have changed over time, in part in response to changes in immigration policy.... This is followed by a discussion of the labor market (economic) characteristics and adjustment of immigrants. The impact of immigrants, particularly low-skilled immigrants, on the level and inequality of income in the economy is explored." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)