Household Language Barriers,Community Language Resources,and Asset Ownership Among Immigrants and Refugees in Western New York: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

While English proficiency is recognized as a main determinant of immigrants’ and refugees’ economic success, the role of community language resources is rarely examined. This mixed-methods study investigates how community language resources, defined as the percentage of adults fluent in English among those speaking the same language, affect asset ownership among immigrants and refugees. Using American Community Survey data, quantitative analyses suggest community language resources facilitate homeownership among immigrant households with a language barrier. Neither the household- nor community-level language variable is significantly associated with vehicle or income-generating asset ownership. Qualitative interviews reveal language-related challenges to buying a house and roles of community resources. Findings call for policies and programs that mobilize community resources for those with limited English proficiency.

Keywords

foreign-born population English proficiency financial capability and asset building

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