As the current economic crisis reshapes the global economy, the ability of each country to rebound will ride in part on the competitiveness and creativity of its workforce. Skills in science, technology, and innovation will be an essential determinant of economic growth in the coming decades. Despite this, current U.S. immigration laws are not built around the skills of potential applicants for immigration, but are instead built on family ties to U.S. citizens and resident aliens.

Does our current policy put the United States at a competitive disadvantage? What can we learn from the skill-based policies of other Western democracies? What effect does high-skilled immigration actually have on economic efficiency and labor market performance? Have our current high-skill immigrants put their skills to good use?   

At this two-day conference, scholars from across the country and around the world will debate these questions, exploring the value of high-skilled immigration in a globalized labor market. The conference will include the presentation of nine original research papers, a keynote lecture by Laurence Iannaccone, and a panel discussion of U.S. policy toward high-skilled immigrants.

For video and audio of the second day of this conference, please click here.

Wednesday, April 22

Thursday, April 23