Combat NJ ‘Brain Drain’ By Attracting More Immigrants, Group Says

New Jersey loses thousands of college graduates to other states every year, a “brain drain” that has worried experts throughout the state. But a nonprofit business advocacy group thinks it has an idea to shore up the number of highly skilled workers in the Garden State: attract more immigrants.

Choose New Jersey recently reported that it is planning to launch a concierge service for “highly-skilled, professional, technical and globally-mobile legal immigrants.”

The goal? To help new arrivals and their families hit the ground running when they move to the United States.

It isn’t easy – even for people who come to the country with a jaw-dropping resume and a high-paying job in hand. There’s housing to hunt down… bank accounts to open… school enrollment to muck your way through.

And that’s why a “concierge service” is needed to help these highly sought-after workers adjust to their new home, Choose New Jersey says.

The nonprofit has put out a request for information (RFI) to potential contractors who can provide housing support, English language services, employment assistance, cultural orientation and other essential services. Learn more here.

Vendors will work in New Jersey, as well as through Choose New Jersey’s international offices in India, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Israel and Ireland.

According to the nonprofit – which was created under the tenure of former Republican Gov. Chris Christie – the state is already seeing the impact that immigrant entrepreneurs can make on a local community:

“As New Jersey’s immigrant population grows, so does its skilled workforce. The state’s foreign-born residents comprise more than 24 percent of the population and 29 percent of its labor force, making up more than $85 billion in spending power.”

One-third of New Jersey business owners are immigrants – who generate more than $4 billion in revenue, the group says.

Choose New Jersey’s proposal got a thumbs-up from Gov. Phil Murphy.

“This initiative positions New Jersey as a national leader in workforce innovation, ensuring that our state not only attracts the best global talent – but also provides them with the resources to thrive,” Murphy said.

“By offering skilled immigrants critical support, we’re strengthening our economy, empowering our communities, and reinforcing New Jersey’s status as ‘The World’s State,’ the ultimate destination for businesses and workers seeking unmatched opportunity and success,” the governor added.

Read the full story from Patch here.