Legal immigrant enters the US with greater skills and more education than in past?

It is true that, on average, legal immigrants entering the US in recent years have higher levels of skills and education compared to previous decades. According to data from the Migration Policy Institute, the share of legal immigrants with a bachelor's degree or higher has increased significantly since the 1970s. In 2019, 57% of legal immigrants had at least a bachelor's degree, compared to only 29% in 1970. Additionally, the share of legal immigrants with advanced degrees (such as master's, doctorate, or professional degrees) has also grown over time, reaching 23% in 2019.

There are several reasons for this trend. One factor is the increasing global demand for skilled workers. As the US economy has become more knowledge-based and technology-driven, employers are seeking workers with specialized skills and expertise. This has led to an increased demand for foreign-born workers who possess these skills.

Another factor is the US immigration policy, which gives preference to immigrants with skills and education that are in demand in the US labor market. The Immigration Act of 1990 introduced a point system that favors applicants with higher levels of education and job skills. This system has helped to attract highly skilled immigrants who can contribute to the US economy.

Finally, it is important to note that the educational attainment of legal immigrants varies by country of origin. Some countries, such as India, China, and the Philippines, have a large number of highly educated immigrants who come to the US for work or study. These immigrants contribute to the overall increase in the average educational attainment of legal immigrants in the US.