The Inclusion of Highly Skilled Immigrants

It is estimated that over 32% of immigrants in the U.S have a bachelor’s degree or higher; yet over 2 million are underemployed (Migration Policy Institute, 2008). Many are represented by popular stories of doctors driving taxis and attorneys washing dishes; unfortunately, this is not a myth. This results in a brain drain/waste phenomenon when college graduates cannot fully utilize their skills and education in the workplace despite their high professional qualifications; costing billions in forgone income and taxes. Difficulties with foreign degree credential evaluation and accreditation; lack of English language skills; and lack of social capital have been identified as major barriers contributing to the unemployment and underemployment of highly skilled immigrants. Furthermore, a Boston based report identified the importance of access to those three things to ensure the successful integration of highly skilled immigrants; success defined by working in an occupation that draws on their professional skill and education with a comparable salary. Using this project and framework, I attempt to document the need of highly skilled immigrants in the North Shore to bring awareness to this issue and support a call to action with the startup The Welcome Immigrant Network and its International Professional Network