Why is the United States Losing Foreign Graduates?

Citizens of foreign countries normally immigrate to America for a better future and for better education. Such foreign nationals who complete their advanced degrees in the United States, do not want to stay in America after graduating and they are moving to other foreign countries. According to the Kauffman Foundation, there has been a decline in the number of businesses founded by high-skilled immigrants, in the United States, over the past few years. Kauffman Foundation’s report states that the decline is due to the strict and the unfriendly immigration system of the United States.

Madeleine Sumption from the Migration Policy Institute, said that the people who complete their studies in the United States and in the United Kingdom, are attracted towards China. Similarly, experienced researchers are also moving to other countries. She also said that China is implementing new policies and is encouraging experienced researchers, by offering them new research labs. Sumption stated that the US born high-skilled workers are also attracted by the opportunities offered by the government of China.

This reverse immigration is likely to benefit other foreign countries like India. Many Indians who study in America are returning to India and they are also interested in starting up businesses in India. Earlier, people from developing countries moved to developed countries but now educated people have more choices and they move to places where there are lots of opportunities. However, developed countries like the United States, will have to do something to retain the high-skilled immigrants, if the country really needs talented individuals.