Korean Immigrants

Korean migration to the United States has occured in three distinct phases. First, at the beginning of the 20th century, the second consisted mostly of students motivated mainly by educational opportunities following the Korean War, and the third started in 1965 with the liberalization of the U.S. national quota system (Noland). Although many of the immigrants were in fact white-collar, educated workers in Korea, the lack of competence of the English language led them to face problems in America. As a result of this, many of them began to shift careers and start their own small businesses. They are known for their entrepreneurial activity.

Korean immigrants have been found to have educational attainment nearly twice the US national average; to create businesses at a rate of roughly 70 greater than the general population; and to maintain savings and wealth accumulation rates roughly double the national average. The children of these immigrants exhibit even higher rates of educational attainment and incomes about 40 percent higher than the U.S. population as a whole. There is a statistical correlation between the presence of Korean immigrants and state economic performance.

In the article we read, John Maggs shares information from a study that argued immigration provides clear benefits to the U.S. economy. They boost supply of labor, which is definitly the case when referring to Korean immigrants. And although they experienced a language barrier, with the level of education and entrepreneurial activity shown by Korean immigrants, it is clear that they add to U.S. output, ultimately providing more wealth for all Americans to share.


Noland, Marcus. Impact of Korean Imimigration on US economy. http://www.piie.com/publications/chapters_preview/365/4iie3586.pdf