College Education of Foreign Nationals Similar to U.S. Population
Posted Dec 28, 2000

According to a March 1999 Census Report, on average about 25% of foreign-born residents in the U.S. 25 years of age and over had at least a baccalaureate degree. This percentage is similar to that of the U.S.-born adult population, according to a report released on September 12, 2000 by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau.

It is also interesting to note that in 1999 the United States had 26.4 million foreign-born residents, representing 10% of the general population of the country. In other categories such as ninth grade or high school education levels, generally the foreign-born population trailed the general U.S. population. About 51% of the foreign-born population hailed from Latin America. This article, when considered together with the article in the December 1, 2000 MurthyBulletin entitled Interesting H1B Statistics for 2000 - India Land of Techies, would lead one to conclude that certain countries such as India and China provide an overwhelming percentage of Bachelor's and Master's Degree candidates to the U.S. Other interesting statistical data gathered for the September 12, 2000 report was taken from the March 1999 population survey. 

We find such statistical data to be interesting and to provide a snapshot on the sociological impact of the migration of various populations into the U.S. As one can imagine, such statistical data is the subject of extensive study by policymakers as well as sociologists. These social trends, along with the needs of the U.S. economy, influence U.S. immigration laws and policies in determining the levels of immigration into the U.S.