Success among Second-Generation Migrants in the U.S.: The Portuguese Experience

Martha Estrada Rivera, PhD student
Alda Botelho Azevedo, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Universidade de Lisboa
Lara Tavares, Universidade de Lisboa

The United States has a rich history of migration, with second-generation migrants playing a significant role in shaping its social landscape. Despite their long-standing presence, Portuguese descendants are underrepresented in both academic research and policy discussions. This lack of attention has led to a limited understanding of their unique experiences and the factors influencing their success, including support networks, cultural influences, and socioeconomic conditions. This study seeks to address this gap by: (i) comparing the 'success' of Portuguese descendants with that of other European second-generation communities, (ii) examining the role of support networks in shaping the outcomes of second-generation Portuguese descendants, and (iii) evaluating how well existing migration theories explain (or fail to explain) their 'success.' By applying a quantitative analysis (i) and comparative theoretical analysis (ii), this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the experiences of Portuguese communities in the U.S. The findings will not only illuminate the socioeconomic pathways of Portuguese descendants but also offer a critical assessment of the strengths and limitations of prevailing migration theories.

Keywords: Migrant Populations and Refugees, Human Capital, Education, and Work, Econometrics , Population Policies

See extended abstract.