ABSTRACT
Who chooses to migrate is often as important to both origin and destination countries as the number of migrants. Origin and destination countries can have many different perspectives on what characteristics are “desirable” among migrants. These perspectives may or may not conflict. For example, origin countries may be concerned that out-migration of skilled workers will slow economic growth, while destination countries may want to attract skilled workers in order to boost economic growth. Origin countries may want students to go abroad to receive an education but then return home to contribute to the economy. Destination countries may want to attract tuition-paying foreign students and then have them leave so that they do not compete with native-born workers. Alternatively, destination countries may not want to incur the cost of educating foreign students unless they will stay and join the workforce.
