Abstract: This chapter explores the extent of residential segregation of immigrants, whether and to what extent immigration influences racial and ethnic segregation in the U.S., and whether and to what extent immigrant segregation influences poverty and English language acquisition. To the extent that segregation of vulnerable groups does influence important social and economic outcomes like poverty or English language acquisition, and to the extent that either immigrants suffer high levels of segregation or influence high segregation levels of native born racial minorities, we might be concerned about the potential societal costs of increased immigration.  The results of this paper, however, suggest that these potential concerns are not fully warranted. Very little evidence is found that immigrants influence segregation of other groups, in particular African Americans, or that immigrant segregation is associated with social concerns such as poverty. Results do, however, demonstrate that immigrant segregation is associated with impeded English language acquisition, which could negatively influence immigrants’ poverty outcomes.

 The Irene Flecknoe Ross Lecture Series is made possible by a gift from Ray Ross in memory of his wife.