MANHASSET, N.Y. — Although engineers are decidedly open-minded about "green" technology, they are much less liberally disposed toward immigrants, even those in their own field with knowledge and advanced skills that might contribute to U.S. economic growth.

We asked respondents to the EE Times 2007 Salary Survey a series of questions about U.S. immigration laws and about the fate of foreign engineering students studying in the United States.

On immigration, only 21.2 percent of respondents agreed with the idea of allowing an unlimited number of foreign engineers and technical professionals to work in America, and to work here without being asked to leave after a prescribed period of time (see chart below).

The remainder expressed the belief that either the number of foreign engineers should be restricted, or their time in America be restricted or both.

The most popular option (36.6 percent) was to limit the number of foreigners as well as the time they're allowed to work in the U.S.

Readers were also asked what should be done with students who are studying engineering in the United States, and what to do with them after they graduate? Respondents, at a rate of 65.4 percent—almost two-thirds—agreed that these foreign engineering graduates should be sent home, either immediately or after working in the U.S. after a limited amount of time.

A significant minority said visiting students should be allowed to stay and earn U.S. citizenship, and 309 respondents (20.1 percent) magnanimously expressed the belief that the opportunity to become Americans should extend to the families of foreign engineering graduates.