Knowledge Economy Immigration: A Priority for U.S. Growth Policy

Abstract

The single most important policy reform that will boost long-term economic growth in the United States is to reduce the barriers facing highly skilled and highly educated immigrants. At least 50,000 workers with advanced degrees are sent out of the United States each year, although they have already passed security tests and become part of the productive fabric of the U.S. economy. In a world where the knowledge economy adds more value to national incomes than physical labor, the current U.S. stance of exiling many of the smartest people in the world imposes self-inflicted wounds on our currently troubled economy.

Keywords: immigration, immigrant, economic growth, entrepreneur, policy, economic, HSI, highly skilled