Overview

• A Science paper by UC San Diego researchers finds that high-skilled emigration boosts economic development, human capital, and innovation in migrants' home countries.
• Case studies show U.S. visa expansions, such as nursing visas for Filipinos, led to significant increases in education and employment in origin countries.
• H-1B visa access for Indian workers raised IT employment in India by 5.8% and increased earnings of Indians in the U.S. by 10%.
• The study emphasizes the role of transnational networks, where skilled migrants facilitate trade, investment, and innovation through cross-border ties.
• Researchers warn that restrictive U.S. immigration policies could undermine both domestic innovation and global economic progress.