In this study, a comparative-international approach is used to examine race-ethnic disparities in education-occupation mismatch status among immigrants. Using data from the USA and South Africa, this study finds that immigrants are most likely to be undereducated, or have less schooling for their jobs, when their racial characteristics are similar to those of the local racial majority. Black immigrants in South Africa and White immigrants in the USA are the most likely to be undereducated. Having racial characteristics similar to those of the local racial majority is associated with a lower likelihood of overeducation among immigrants. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Education Occupation United States race Immigration Africa

international migration immigration policy comparative study Africa race black population United States racial disparity ethnic conflict