If you'd read the immediately following paragraph, you'll note that this distinction between domestic and international migration is extremely relevant to wheth

If you'd read the immediately following paragraph, you'll note that this distinction between domestic and international migration is extremely relevant to whether SF has net inflow or outflow. > The discrepancy between international and domestic migration in the Bay Area can likely be explained by what economists call "gateway cities." These cities, often planted along the coast, serve as entry points for foreigners moving to the U.S. The immigrants will register in the gateway city, but often move to other parts of California or the country within months, according to Phuong Nguyen, a research specialist at the California Department of Finance. Once you control for this variance, San Francisco, objectively, has a net outflow. That's the conclusion of the linked article, as well.