Native-born Americans are more likely to be out of work

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that foreign-born workers led the way to economic recovery in 2013 — with their unemployment rate dropping much more rapidly than that for native-born workers:

The effect is even more striking when you consider the labor force participation dynamics. Native-born workers became slightly less likely to be in the labor force, while foreign born workers actually increased their already higher participation rate.

One reason for this may be that the available of jobs varies quite a bit from place to place. If you move to Utah, Vermont, or North Dakota you'll find a very low unemployment rate. If you're in Nevada or Rhode Island, you're in much worse shape. Foreign-born workers have already shown a disposition and willingness to move in search of work, and there is evidence that they are more geographically mobile inside the United States as well.

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