When the Educated Leave the East: Romanian and Hungarian Skilled Immigration to the USA

In this study, we use quantitative and qualitative data to analyze how historical events shaped skilled emigration and integration of two Eastern European groups into the USA. Some of these migrants lost all interest in their country of origin and seek to fully assimilate to the new society. Others developed a new type of identity, as global citizens rather than of a particular country. They are willing to learn and understand the new society, but at the same time, they keep in touch with the home country. These two fundamental avenues of skilled migrant integration are related to individual characteristics as well as structural forces, and may highlight potential subsequent moves, addressing the global circulation of skilled international migrants.