In the ATUS and CPS, the year of immigration variable (yrimmig) is coded into categories, but I want the exact year of immigration. Since the text of the question is “When did this person come to the United States to stay?”, is it possible to access the exact year given in the original answer instead of these categories? Do I have to go through the BLS? Is it restricted access?
Although the survey question seems to ask for the exact year, the CPS actually provides response categories for respondents. To see this, you can look up the variable PRINUSYR in CPS monthly record layout file. So, I’m afraid the exact year of entry is not available. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
Dear,
Thank you for your great work and for providing the data.
I would like to confirm whether we can rule out the possibility that respondents in the ATUS/CPS surveys include undocumented immigrants. Additionally, is there any study, paper, or report that estimates the share of undocumented respondents in these surveys?
I assume that the number of undocumented respondents is relatively low, but I am looking to get a better sense of the extent.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
Best regards,
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, they collect data from all foreign born respondents who participate in its censuses and surveys, regardless of legal status. Furthermore, the CPS sampling design is based on households at specific addresses, not on the individuals residing within them, and the CPS collects information on all residents within the household at the time of survey, regardless of immigration status.
Looking at CPS data relevant to this inquiry, the variable NATIVITY (which identifies foreign-born respondents) is a recode of the BPL, FBPL, and MBPL variables. The BPL variables represent direct answers from respondents. It can be assumed that both documented and undocumented immigrants are captured by the Foreign Born category as long as the respondent accurately provided their place of birth. There is currently no variable that identifies documented or undocumented immigrants. The variable CITIZEN identifies foreign born individuals who are not citizens, however it is not likely that the “foreign born, non-citizen” population provides an accurate estimate of the undocumented immigrants population.
Cristal clear,
thank you very much.
Rezart