This study examines the educational attainment of Latinos who immigrated
to the United States by age 12. We compare the educational attainment of
Latino immigrants in established and emerging Latino immigrant gateway cities in
order to identify whether there are any significant differences in educational attainment
between immigrants in these two gateways types and why such differences
might exist. Methods. We employ OLS regression using the 2000 5% Integrated
Public Use Microdata Sample. Results. Our results suggest that contrary to speculation,
educational attainment among Latino immigrants is significantly higher in
new Latino destinations than in established Latino metropolitan areas, although
much of the difference is mediated by demographic factors. Migration history,
English proficiency, ethnicity, and citizenship status account for a substantial portion
of the differences in educational attainment between destination types. The
migration history of these immigrants suggests a selection effect: only those immigrants
who are relative newcomers to their new Latino destination have significantly
higher educational attainment than those in established metropolitan
areas. Conclusions. We find that educational attainment among Latino immigrants
is higher in new Latino destinations. Our study suggests that more highly educated
Latino immigrants are choosing new Latino destinations, while longer-term immigrant
residents of new destinations are faring no better (in terms of educational
levels) than those in established destinations. English proficiency, ethnicity, and
citizenship status are confirmed as factors strongly associated with educational attainment
among immigrants.