Every year, thousands of foreign scholars and scientists come to the United States to work, teach and study. Lots of them end up in Chicago.

It’s a brain trust that many say this country, and this city, need to be leaders in the global economy.

But U.S. immigration rules have made it harder for them to come here and stay here. Some Chicago universities are working harder than ever to attract the world’s brightest scholars and students. Now, an immigration bill making its way through the U.S. Senate might help.

As part of our Chicago Matters: Beyond Borders series, Monique Parsons has this report.