In light of the academic challenge to the notion of competitiveness, AEI has gathered experts to research the value of the concept of competitiveness in high-skilled immigration.

What we need to do now is to create more openings for high-skill immigrants while reducing the number of slots for extended family reunification for low-skill immigrants, and Congress (though no the Obama administration) seems to be taking some steps in that direction. The Economist, while not addressing low-skill immigration, seems to be taking a similar view.

U.S. policymakers must act now to add high-skilled immigrant workers to the American labor force--or risk falling behind in the global economy.

At this two-day conference, scholars from across the country and around the world will explore the value of high-skilled immigration in a globalized labor market.

Put aside concerns about low-skilled immigration for a moment. There is wide consensus among those who have studied the issue that skilled immigrants are a net positive for the receiving country.

While there is no such wide-ranging immigration reform bill currently making the rounds in Congress, the "Stopping Trained in America Ph.D.s from leaving the Economy" (S.T.A.P.L.E.) Act, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) has bipartisan support and is a step in the right direction.