While America boasted the most highly-skilled workforce in the global economy earlier in the 20th century, today's Americans entering the workforce "barely make the global top ten," Kirkegaard asserts. New education policies can improve the stature of the American workforce over the long-term, but a substantial overhaul of the country's high-skilled immigration programs is essential for the country to re-claim its global dominance in the short to medium term. The author recommends numerous changes in the U.S. high-skilled immigration system that would make it more attractive, and less difficult, for foreign high-skilled employees to remain in the country after their temporary visas end. Currently affiliated with the Peterson Institute for International Economics (Washington, D.C.), Kirkegaard has also worked with the Danish Ministry of Defense, the United Nations in Iraq, and in the private financial sector. Annotation 2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
