This book is one of the first definitive and comprehensive expositions of emigration in contemporary India. It posits that India is currently witnessing a new phase of emigration that may last at least until year 2021, and argues that far-reaching changes in policies, legislation and institutional mechanisms are needed to optimize the gains from emigration. '[A] rare example of thoughtful analysis of India's policy options built on solid empirical foundations.' - Devesh Kapur, Director, Center for the Advanced Study of India, University of Pennsylvania