The decline of drain? Recent Features of Mexican professionals in Mexico and the United States, 2000-2010

In contrast with the global trend observed in the nineties, between 2000 and 2010 the migration of highly-skilled Mexicans to the United States has shown a relative decline. Focusing the attention on Mexico, we find that in recent years, the population with levels of postgraduate degrees (masters and doctorate) has substantially increased. This resulted in a major transformation in the structure of the Mexican labor force. Does this change the supply of skills and abilities?. Is it reflected in the conditions of the national labor market?. Does it impact the levels and characteristics of skilled migration?. Does it affect the type of labor incorporation achieved in the United States?

The paper explores the sociodemographic, migratory and labor characteristics assumed by the skilled workforce in Mexico compared with its counterpart in the United States. In particular, the paper analyzes the transformations on the labor market: the participation, activity and unemployment rates; the characteristics of occupations -including the relationship with the skill level of occupation-, as well as the main careers and sectors in which they are inserted in each country. Such knowledge will provide better inputs for further discussions on "drain", "waste" and "circulation" of highly qualified human resources.