This article examines segmented assimilation among foreign-born and U.S.-born Mexicans.
Using the 2000 census, this article investigates how immigrants’ length of residence in the
United States and nativity affect the earnings and self-employment outcomes of low- and highskilled
Mexican men and women in the Southwest. Findings reveal that the earnings of lowskilled,
foreign-born Mexicans decrease as immigrants reside in the United States longer and
are generally lower among the U.S. born than the foreign born. In contrast, the earnings of highskilled,
foreign-born Mexicans increase as immigrants reside in the United States longer and are
generally higher among U.S.-born Mexicans than foreign-born Mexicans. Moreover, selfemployment
participation decreases as immigrants reside in the United States longer and is lower
among the U.S. born than the foreign born, regardless of skill. Since self-employment results in
lower earnings, a decline in self-employment indicates economic progress. Furthermore, men are
generally better off than women. Drawing from segmented assimilation theory, findings support
the “downward assimilation” hypothesis among low-skilled Mexicans and the “Anglo-conformity”
hypothesis among high-skilled Mexicans. Overall, this research provides evidence of intragroup
differences in segmented assimilation among foreign-born and U.S.-born Mexicans in the
Southwest.