A Match Made in Philadelphia: Connecting Highly Skilled Immigrant Workers with the Employers Who Need Them

As the largest city in the third-oldest state, Philadelphia is struggling to replenish its retiring workforce, retain the graduates
of its colleges and universities, and entice young workers to fill high-demand jobs in the region. However, within Philadelphia’s immigrant population, professionals trained as scientists, journalists, government administrators, and nurses in their home countries find themselves unable to obtain employment appropriate to their qualifications. This report outlines recommendations and best practices for Philadelphia to tap into its own foreign-born human resources, close the city’s professional skills gap, and revitalize the regional economy.