Many employers say they have a hard time finding skilled workers, but researchers say the solution could already be here: highly skilled immigrants, already in the country, who just need access to a credential.
Researchers at the Migration Policy Institute wanted to figure out why, in states like Indiana, educated immigrants weren’t having their skills used in the labor market. They call it “brain waste” and say it’s most prevalent with undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.
In a report, they suggest policymakers could curb brain waste through English language training, pathways that help foreign workers into highly regulated careers, and promoting equity in hiring.
READ MORE: Experts Say Other Factors Are Causing Hiring Woes – Not Unemployment Benefits
Courtney Brown, with the Indianapolis-headquartered Lumina Foundation, said the data suggests this isn’t a political issue, but a policy one, since it’s a problem in both red and blue states.
“Even in communities that are more immigrant friendly, they’re still facing barriers with licenses and those sorts of things that are really keeping these individuals from using their talents,” she said.
Lumina Foundation supported the research as part of their goal to see 60 percent of the country have post-high school education.
Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.