When Skilled Immigrants Have Other Options

Several countries are competing for skilled immigrants and the US does not always win them.    - - Donna Poisl

By Paul Feltman

Would it surprise you to know that most potential immigrants don't want to come to America? A worldwide poll conducted by Gallup shows that while more than 600 million individuals want to emigrate, the United States is not where most of them want to go.

In fact, more than three-quarters of respondents—77 percent—named a country outside the U.S. as their top-choice destination. Often they chose to go somewhere close, but when the sky's the limit, their answers reflect a stark new reality: The U.S. is no longer the default option for ambitious young immigrants, including those trained as engineers, doctors, and other professionals.Paul Feltman is director of Global Talent Bridge initiative, a nonprofit that works to integrate and credential skilled workers from other nations who want to pursue their career in the U.S. 

Instead, we're competing for their attention and talent. Countries like Canada, Australia, and even Germany are proactively encouraging skilled workers to choose their nations for a new home. These countries often sweeten the pot by offering services to help new arrivals find jobs and become integrated.
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