The Determinants of Hispanic Remittances: An Exploration Using U.S. Census Data

Abstract

This article explores whether a data set on demographic and economic characteristics of Hispanic-origin persons in the United States from the 1990 U.S. Population Census can inform the discussion on the detenninants of remittances from this population to selected Latin American and Caribbean countries. Parts I and 2 of the article discuss available data on remittances flows to selected Latin American countries and on the characteristics of persons of Hispanic onigin in the United States, respectively. Part 3 reviews the literature on the determinants of remittances. Part 4 discusses demographic and economic characteristics of migrants from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico residing in the United States in 1990. Part 5 uses graphic and simple statistical techniques to test some hypotheses regarding remittances-sending behavior The explorations confirmed several propositionsfrom the literature regarding the determinants of remittances, particularly the importance of household, family, or personal income.

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