1166 



sufficient to encourage any excluded Malaysian FMG in the United 

 States to establish permanent residency in this country. In the present 

 international environment of intense competition for professional man- 

 power, the United States welcomes such talent. 



THE ALLURE OF A SCIEXTIFIC-TECHNOLOGICAL CI\aLIZATI0N 



In the cultural and intellectual sphere, the reality of U.S. pre-emi- 

 nence in science, technology, and medicine creates forces of "permanent 

 draw." attracting students and scholars, scientists, engineers, and phy- 

 sicians from all over the world. The LDCs are now the main target of 

 attraction. Preconditioned by the desire to come to America and to 

 learn, they become caught up in the processes of acculturation that 

 transform' values, attitudes, and national loyalties. Influenced by the 

 inevitable effects of mismatch in training that result from disparities 

 in civilizations, they find resolution of their dilemma in permanent 

 residency. Donor indifference to their future opportunities and career 

 possibilities reinforces the decision to immigrate. 



Social '•''PuW Factors: Appeal of American Social Democracy 



American social democracy has a special appeal for the discontented 

 professional abroad. Despite its imperfections, the American social 

 order offers the professional such important values as freedom of so- 

 cial choice and prospects for social mobility. Unlike the rigidly struc- 

 tured, traditionally oriented social systems existing in many LDCs 

 and even in some advanced countries, the United States offers upward 

 mobility for the professional who has marketable talent, well con- 

 ceived career plans, and willingness to work hard. The driving force 

 within the American social order has been a spirit of freedom and 

 equality of opportunity. And upon this concept a national tradition 

 has developed that values pragmatism and experimentalism, and ac- 

 cepts as a guiding social principle the belief that a person's worth to 

 society is determined less by inherited social position than by ability 

 and performance. The frontier tradition in American history em- 

 bodied tliis concept in the simple question, "AVliat can you do?" The 

 Nation's experience in immigration strengthened this tradition and 

 created an historical record that is visible proof to contemporary man. 

 To European or Asian professionals who feel held down by their 

 traditional societies, the spirit of freedom and equality of opportunity 

 in America has great appeal. "Probably one is more free in this coun- 

 try than one is in Europe," said one British scientist, "and it is the 

 essential freedom that is so attractive about this country." And a Ger- 

 man scientist made a similar observation on the social and political 

 aspects of the American environment : "In this country there are fewer 

 restrictions. ... I find more possibilities of creating my style of life, 

 and not being narrowed down." ^^^ 



America provides a wide latitude for upward social mobility based 

 on merit and success. Talent and achievement are respected values, 

 whatever the age of the professional. Responsibilities are given to the 

 young, and the rewards come quickly. "Unlike Europe," wrote Ale- 

 sandro Silj, "the American system rewards talented young people 

 well. Careers advance faster, initiative is welcomed, age and seniority 



"^ Quoted In, Hawkes, op. cit., p. 25. 



