Many of America's greatest artists, scientists, investors,
educators, and entrepreneurs have come from abroad. Rather than
suffering from the "brain drain" of talented and educated
individuals emigrating, the United States has benefited greatly
over the years from the "brain gain" of immigration. These gifted
immigrants have engineered advances in energy, information
technology, international commerce, sports, arts, and culture. To
stay competitive, the United States must institute more of an
open-door policy to attract unique talents from other nations. Yet
Americans resist such a policy despite their own immigrant
histories and the substantial social, economic, intellectual, and
cultural benefits of welcoming newcomers. Why?
In "Brain Gain," Darrell West asserts that perception or
"vision" is one reason reform in immigration policy is so
politically difficult. Public discourse tends to emphasize the
perceived negatives. Fear too often trumps optimism and reason. And
democracy is messy, with policy principles that are often difficult
to reconcile.
The seeming irrationality of U.S. immigration policy arises from
a variety of thorny and interrelated factors: particularistic
politics and fragmented institutions, public concern regarding
education and employment, anger over taxes and social services, and
ambivalence about national identity, culture, and language. Add to
that stew a myopic (or worse) press, persistent fears of terrorism,
and the difficulties of implementing border enforcement and legal
justice.
West prescribes a series of reforms that will put America on a
better course and enhance its long-term social and economic
prosperity. Reconceptualizing immigration as a way to enhance
innovation and competitiveness, the author notes, will help us find
the next Sergey Brin, the next Andrew Grove, or even the next
Albert Einstein.
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