Oh boy. Reading issues again... Yeah, your article definitely disproved the "false" premise that the U.S. has fallen in the last decade.
At this point I believe America to be equal parts innovators and free loaders. Both categories of American humanity are supplied by foreigners and natives alike. It's all about intent, once again. Is someone's intent to come here/grow up here and take advantage of the opportunities through education, opportunity, and the proverbial "American Dream?" Or is their intent to come here/grow up here and manipulate our social services and labor laws? There is no definitive answer. Both sides exist, in force. One side contributes ideas and effort at a global level. One side sucks their hard work dry. As a member of the supposed dwindling "middle class" - which apparently means I'm average - I stand by intent. That is all I believe in anymore.