Science, Conflict and Migration: Public Perceptions about Immigration from Africa, 1920s to Present

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to examine the relationships between current African immigration trends, the history of sub-Saharan Africa, and economic and social factors in the United States as a primary country to which African migrants travel. Questions that are considered in the paper include how civil and political strife in the past, seen through the specific case of Kenya's history, have particularly influenced American perception of African immigrants; how scientific achievement of African scientists contributes to their home countries' public image; and whether current immigration trends are creating a 'brain drain' that can in any way be attributed to United States policymaking on African affairs. As part of the primary evidence for this paper, opinions collected from a number of participants in a short, randomized survey conducted in Colorado Springs on African immigration will also be included.