Foreign Science and Engineering Presence in U.S. Institutions and the Labor Force
Abstract
The increased presence of foreign students in graduate science and engineering programs and in the scientific workforce has been and continues to be of concern to some in the scientific community. Enrollment of U.S. citizens in graduate science and engineering programs has not kept pace with that of foreign students in those programs. In addition to the number of foreign students in graduate science and engineering programs, a significant number of university faculty in the scientific disciplines are foreign, and foreign doctorates are employed in large numbers by industry. Few will dispute that U.S. universities and industry have chosen foreign talent to fill many positions. Foreign scientists and engineers serve the needs of industry at the doctorate level and also have been found to serve in major roles at the masters level. Not surprisingly, there are charges that U.S. workers are adversely affected by the entry of foreign scientists and engineers, who reportedly accept lower wages than U.S. citizens would accept in order to enter or remain in the United States. These arguments occur in the context of a job market in which there is a reported imbalance between supply and demand for scientists and engineers in certain fields. The National Science Foundation (NSF) reports that between 1998 and 2008, employment in science and engineering fields will increase at more than four times the rate for all other occupations. In addition, approximately 80% of the increase in science and engineering will be in computer-related positions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA463779
Entities
People
- Christine M. Matthews
Organizations
- Library of Congress