Existing research evidence on the ability of several kinds of public policy used to increase labor force attachment among the disadvantaged indicates that (1) policies for reform of the U.S. welfare system do not substantially help the problem; (2) increasing child support payments would have essentially no effects on the work effort and earnings…

Grameen Banks are a model of successful support for the smallest businesses. The Grameen Bank began in 1976, when Muhammad Yunus, an economics professor at Chittagong University in southern Bangladesh, loaned Sufiya Khatun, a weaver of bamboo stools, $4 U.S. to buy supplies and raise her daily profit from 2 cents to $1.25. Her success prompted…

This paper assesses the new immigration law and its impact on the growing minority segment of the U.S. labor force. It frames the issues raised by the law that concern non-Asian American minority citizens, presents evidence that supports these concerns, and suggests both short-term and long-term policy implications. The analysis begins with an…

The federal policy shift from skills training and toward work first strategies has come about, in part, from a misconception that "training does not work." A more comprehensive look at existing research reveals the documented effectiveness of skills training. A growing number of studies have shown skills training can increase earnings;…

In an effort to provide positive program and procedural alternatives for personnel working in educational and training programs for low-income women, the book presents the current situation of minority female low-income heads of household, especially the Chicana, and offers solutions and recommendations regarding the education and training of such…