International migration of professionals.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Economics
• Public Policy

Background:

• The United States has historically benefited from immigration, with a notable rise in professionals among immigrants in recent decades.
• Changes in U.S. immigration laws since 1965 have accelerated the influx of skilled professionals.
• A significant demographic shift shows an increasing proportion of professional immigrants originating from less developed countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To statistically summarize trends in professional immigration to the United States.
• To analyze the impact of professional immigration on American science and medicine.
• To examine the effects of professional migration on both the receiving and sending countries.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of statistical data primarily from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
• Examination of trends in the proportion and origin of professional immigrants over recent decades.
• Discussion of the consequences of professional immigration on various stakeholders.

Main Results:

• A consistent upward trend in the proportion of immigrants who are professionals.
• A marked acceleration in professional immigration post-1965 due to legislative changes.
• A growing share of professional immigrants originating from less developed nations.
• Significant benefits accrued to U.S. science and medicine due to this immigration.
• Less beneficial effects observed in the countries of origin.

Conclusions:

• Professional immigration is a growing and significant phenomenon in the United States, influenced by policy.
• The U.S. experiences substantial gains in its scientific and medical fields through the immigration of professionals.
• The 'brain drain' effect poses challenges for the development of the countries from which professionals emigrate.