The results of a study by the American Institute of Migration Policy were published by the portal Washington ProFile. Researchers found that in 2006, there were about 6.1 million immigrants over 25 with higher education in the United States. That is, the proportion of foreigners with academic degrees is higher than the proportion of Americans with a similar level of knowledge. More than half of the immigrants received their education before moving to the States, and many had practical experience applying their knowledge.
Most highly qualified immigrants have adapted very successfully in the United States, experts assure. However, a significant number of them – over 1.1 million people – are unemployed or engaged in unskilled labor: for example, engineers working as taxi drivers or dishwashers.
In this regard, institute specialists identified risk groups for immigrant 'brains'. It is easiest for immigrants from Europe and Asia to get a job in their field; chances are lower for those from Latin America and very low for Africans. If a highly qualified immigrant has poor language skills, their chances of finding a job in their field are 2 times lower than those of a colleague with a similar level of knowledge and good English.
The probability of successful employment is three times higher for immigrants who received their education or academic degree in the United States. Immigrants who moved to America on work visas (essentially through employer sponsorship) find jobs much better than holders of other visa types – for example, refugees, Green Card lottery winners, and others.