Abstract
We examine the economic impact of the large Puerto Rican migration into Orlando following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Using a synthetic control approach, we find non‐Hispanic employment increased in Orlando and positive aggregate labor market effects for less‐educated workers. The employment effect was particularly large in the construction sector. While we find that construction earnings decreased slightly, this was balanced by earnings growth in retail and hospitality. This is consistent with immigration having small negative impacts on earnings in sectors exposed to a labor supply shock, offset by positive effects in sectors impacted by an associated positive demand shock.
- Received May 2021.
- Accepted March 2022.
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