US immigrants contribute more than American citizens
April 28 2009 by Gareth McConnell
New research shows migrants who work in the USA on trainee and work visas are more productive and contribute more to the economy than their American counterparts, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Using the 2003 National Survey of College Graduates to examine college graduates in the U.S., Professor Jennifer Hunt, from McGill University, studied earnings, patenting, commercialising and licensing patents, publishing books or papers and presenting at major conferences and found H-1B visa holders who work in the USA were most successful, along with temporary workers on J-1 visas and F-1 visas.
The economics professor also found immigrants who moved to the US as legal permanent residents performed as well as those born with American citizenship, whilst dependent immigrants on K3 Spouse visas and relative green cards were less productive.
“Firms, universities and teaching hospitals are successful in attracting and selecting immigrants who remain in the United States to outperform natives, thereby likely increasing U.S. total factor productivity. By contrast, natives and immigrants already in the United States sponsor college-educated immigrant spouses and family members who perform similarly to college-educated natives,” noted Professor Hunt.
Another surprise finding is those on US work visas earn almost $5.00 per hour more than American workers. Comparing Americans with a bachelor’s degree or higher, Hunt found Americans earn on average $29.60 per hour and those on US work permits earn $34.20 per hour.
The research is welcome news following the slow uptake in this years round of H-1B visa applications.
See the latest Immigration News
