1250 



tions this is not easy.®" Accordingly, this requirement, which is re- 

 lated to the declining job market, would affect inflows from the LDCs. 

 These factors, along with the existing ceiling placed on immigration 

 from the Western Hemisphere, have no doubt affected the recent slow- 

 down in the exodus of scientists and engineers from Latin America. 

 (The Western Hemisi)here has an annual ceiling of 120,000 immi- 

 grants; the current waiting list is about 200,000.) Similar effects can 

 be expected in other parts of the developing world.®^^ 



REASON FOR BRAIN DRAIN DOWNTURN AND OUTFLOW FROM UNITED STATES 



The reason for the domestic downturn and reversal in the brain 

 drain of scientists and engineers is the changing market conditions in 

 manpower supply. In the last few years the supply has exceeded 

 the demand. Thus in the early 1970s the "pull" factor of an available 

 manpower market with an abundance of professional opportunity 

 has been transformed into a "push" factor of underemployment and 

 unemployment. 



This reversal is generally attributed to, (1) the cutback of Federal 

 Government spending in defense and the aerospace fields; and (2) 

 the growing surplus of an American educated elite. Termination of 

 the war in Vietnam and conclusion of the Apollo program, both of 

 which required vast outlays in expenditures, combined with a national 

 mood of withdrawal from global involvement, the decompression 

 of the Cold War, an apparently rising spirit of detente with the Soviet 



"iThe Interaction between the job market and Immigration regulations was revealed 

 by a new directive announced by Immigration Commissioner Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., 

 on Apr. 19, 1974, relating to foreign student summer employment. The Commissioner 

 directed that henceforth foreign students seeking summer employment will have to obtain 

 permission from the Immigration and Naturalization Service rather than from school 

 officials. According to Chapman, the decision was intended to protect summer job oppor- 

 tunities for American youth, including Vietnam veterans and members of minority groups. 

 "For several years." Chapman declared, "the Manpower Administration has advised us 

 that unemployment among American youth is of such magnitude that summer employment 

 of aliens Is depriving young Americans of needed employment opportunities." The un- 

 employment rate among youth exceeded the national average. Mr. Chapman emphasized, 

 however, that foreign students. In needing employment for economic reasons due to unfore- 

 seen circumstances arising after their entry Into the United States, may continue to apply 

 to the Service for work permission at any time. Such students were not limited to summer 

 wofk. Upon graduation they may also apply to the Service for approval to engage in 

 practical training related to their course of study, Mr. Chapman said. 



The State Department had been consulted on this matter and expressed the view that 

 Important foreign policy benefits were to be gained by the United States from the presence 

 of foreign students In this country. But, Chapman said, "In balancing the labor market 

 impact against the foreign relations aspects. I have concluded that protection of job 

 opportunities for young Americans, Including minority youth and Vietnam veterans. Is the 

 paramount consideration at this time." CDepartment of Justice, Press Release, Apr 19, 

 1974. 2 p.) ■ 



For the purposes of this study It Is important to note that concern for brain drain 

 through international student programs was not the declared purpose of this new restric- 

 tion but rather the tightening job market for summer employment. Yet, the effect of the 

 new regulation could reduce the inflow of foreign students. Arthur Rodbell, executive 

 director of the National Student Lobby, protested the INS action, disputed the assertion 

 that foreign students were taking jobs from Americana, and claimed that there was 

 "overwhelming evidence" that many foreign students will not be able to return to their 

 campuses next fall if they cannot get summer jobs. Their failure to continue, he said, 

 would co<:t American colleges $1.5 million In tuition. (Donald P. Baker, "U.S. Gets Tough 

 on .Tobe for Aliens," The Washinffton Post. May 19. 1974, p. B3.) 



"* Dr. Amador Muriel suggests that Filipino scientists and engineers may have to return 

 home whatever their personal preferences : "Considering the trend in the United States 

 and Europe today — the decrease In science expenditures and the emphasis on other aspects 

 of life such as the environment and social nroblems — the reasons for leaving may no 

 longer be sufficient to encourage emigration. Filipino physicists in training may be forced 

 to go back to their country as jobs become harder to find In the United States." (Muriel, 

 op. cit., p. 39.) 



