From Doctor to Dishwasher: Why America Wastes Immigrant Talent

From Doctor to Dishwasher: Why America Wastes Immigrant Talent

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Highly skilled immigrants arrive with credentials, experience, and dreams only to find themselves trapped in low-wage jobs. Here’s why it happens, and what needs to change.

Imagine arriving in the United States with a resume that commands respect. Degrees, years of experience, leadership positions credentials that opened doors in your home country. Now imagine stepping off the plane, only to find your professional identity stripped away. Instead of a lab coat or office, you are handed a mop, apron, or tray of fast food.
It’s a reality many immigrants face, and yet, it’s rarely discussed.

The Credentials Gap

One of the biggest hurdles is simple: the American system doesn’t always recognize foreign credentials. A doctor in India, a lawyer in Nigeria, or an engineer in Brazil may have to redo years of schooling or jump through licensing hoops to practice in the U.S. The result? Highly skilled individuals are forced into jobs that don’t require their talents.

Language, Culture, and American Experience

Fluency in English and understanding local workplace culture matter more than we realize. Even the most brilliant professional may struggle to communicate effectively in meetings or write reports that meet American standards. Add the often-cited “American…