This book investigates the intricate relationship between immigration, the maintenance and transmission of ethnicity, and the economic assimilation of immigrants. Barry R. Chiswick, a distinguished economist, draws upon extensive data and theoretical frameworks to analyze how immigrant groups navigate their new societies. The work examines the factors influencing language acquisition, the persistence of ethnic identity, and the long-term economic outcomes for immigrants and their descendants.

This book is regarded as a significant contribution to the study of immigration and assimilation, particularly within the fields of economics and sociology. Chiswick's rigorous empirical approach and theoretical insights provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex processes immigrants undergo. The work is often cited for its detailed analysis of the economic determinants of immigrant success and the persistence of ethnic and linguistic characteristics across generations.