Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2018
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
Instructor/Advisor
Melissa Nemon
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Rincon, Elsabel, "The Inclusion of Highly Skilled Immigrants" (2018). Community Engagement Student Work. 10.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/10