That's because countries from Ireland to China to India are luring these highly-trained and valuable immigrants back home - and even getting U.S. citizens to follow, says David Heenan, author of Flight Capital: The Alarming Exodus of America's Best and Brightest (Davies-Black, $24.95).
''It used to be that the U.S. was really unchallenged for its immigrants,'' Heenan says. ''From Alfred Hitchcock to Albert Einstein, immigrants have come here and stayed here.''
But shifting attitudes about immigrants - especially after 9/11 - have created a ''chillier atmosphere'' for immigrants. In fact, other countries are doing their best to attract immigrants now in the United States who have highly desirable skills in such areas as engineering and science, which American kids have ''not expressed any great desire for,'' Heenan says. And even if Americans are trained in those areas, they are also being recruited to practice their skills in other countries. Europe, for example, often attracts Americans with more liberal maternity leaves, vacations and other perks that companies in the United States don't offer. ''Many homegrown Americans are finding happiness overseas. Other countries are really putting on the full-court press to get them.''
For example, more than 5,000 savvy techies have repatriated to India from the United States in the last two years. And, up to two million jobs have been created in Mexico, many of them in the high-tech corridor along the U. S. border. Ireland is using a $2 billion development plan to attract expatriates back to the Old Sod, while more than 75 percent of the targets report they want to return home in five years.
''A lot of people want to return because there is opportunity for them, but also because they want to reconnect with their culture and their families,'' Heenan says. Still, Heenan stresses that the ''reverse brain drain'' can be stopped, ''but it's America's game to lose.''
In his book, due in October, Heenan says America must:
l Understand the competition. Policymakers in both the public and private sectors should travel the world and see first-hand what the other nations are doing to boost their economies and attract workers.
l Foster flexibility and entrepreneurship. The United States should be a haven for skilled immigrants, but it needs to be understood that some jobs must be outsourced. At the same time, U.S. workers who are displaced should be offered job retraining, education, and wage and health care insurance.
l Put out the welcome mat. This can be done through immigration reform that allows highly skilled immigrants a place in the United States, but also through simple steps such as making immigrants feel welcome with a smile. In other words, ''have you hugged an immigrant today?'' Heenan asks.
l Encouraging dual loyalties. Even if immigrants return home, the United States can foster commitment through everything from dual citizenships to adjunct professorships.
l Reform education. More effort needs to be put into fostering young scientists, engineers and techies and demanding more effort and work from every student in the United States. ''One comment I heard a lot from Americans overseas is that they love the States, but they didn't want to raise their kids in an MTV generation. Schools here were a huge concern, and they also wanted a chance to expose their kids to other countries.''
l Deferring retirements. More Americans are interested in working into their 60s and 70s, and companies need to take advantage of their skills and abilities instead of waving goodbye when they turn 65. ''In today's talent-tight world, America's seniors are holding most of the cards.''
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Anita Bruzzese can be reached c/o Business Editor, Gannett News Service, 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Va. 22107.
