In a recent report, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has highlighted the urgent need for reforms to the U.S. immigration system if America hopes to retain and attract top global talent. The report, developed by a committee of scientists, professors, and national security experts, suggests that without significant changes to current policies, the U.S. risks falling behind in the global race for high-skilled labor. Commissioned by the Department of Defense, the study warns that countries with more liberal immigration policies, particularly China, pose a serious threat to the U.S.’s ability to maintain its leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The Key Recommendation: Expanding Green Cards
One of the most critical recommendations from the NAS report is to significantly increase the number of employment-based green cards. The committee suggests that Congress should develop more streamlined paths to permanent residency and citizenship for highly skilled foreign-born workers, particularly those in STEM fields. This would involve creating a new category for highly skilled professionals, free from per-country limits or numerical restrictions. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of making international graduates from U.S. STEM programs explicitly eligible for green cards.
The proposal echoes provisions included in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which aimed to exempt foreign nationals with PhDs in STEM fields from green card limits. Although the House passed the provision, opposition from the Senate Judiciary Committee prevented it from becoming law. Without such reforms, NAS warns, talented individuals may continue to face years-long waits, further diminishing the U.S.’s competitiveness.
The H-1B Visa Dilemma
The report also critiques the existing U.S. visa system, particularly the heavy reliance on the H-1B program as a primary retention tool for international talent. The annual cap on new H-1B petitions, currently set at 65,000 with an additional 20,000 for advanced degree holders, is a major bottleneck in retaining foreign graduates. Mark Barteau, the committee chair, pointed out that less than 25% of applicants secure an H-1B visa each year, leading to an exodus of international students who cannot remain in the U.S. to contribute their skills long-term.
According to the NAS report, visa policies are one of the primary factors influencing how well countries can harness international talent, suggesting that the U.S. is at a significant disadvantage compared to countries with more flexible visa regimes.
The Benefits of Welcoming Foreign Talent
The report backs its recommendations with research showing the tremendous value that foreign-born scientists and engineers bring to the U.S. economy. It cites data from the National Foundation for American Policy, showing that over 55% of the nation’s $1 billion startup companies were founded by immigrants. Additionally, since 2000, 40% of the Nobel Prizes in chemistry, medicine, and physics awarded to Americans have gone to immigrant scientists.
Further studies highlight that H-1B visa holders contribute to lower unemployment rates and faster earnings growth among U.S. college graduates. The presence of international students in STEM fields also boosts the number of U.S.-born students pursuing similar degrees. However, restrictions on the H-1B program have led to tech jobs and research and development (R&D) investments being moved overseas, according to research by Wharton’s Britta Glennon.
Challenges from China
The NAS report also draws attention to China’s aggressive talent recruitment programs, such as the Changjiang Scholars and Thousand Talents programs, which have been highly successful in attracting world-class scientists to contribute to China’s technological advancements. This presents a significant challenge for the U.S. as it seeks to retain its position as a leader in global innovation.
The report critiques previous U.S. policies, such as the Trump administration’s “China Initiative,” which disproportionately targeted academic researchers of Asian descent. The NAS called the initiative counterproductive, arguing that it has created a climate of fear that persists even today. The Biden administration has since ended the initiative, but the report stresses the need for a more balanced approach that doesn’t stifle international collaboration.
Additional Recommendations
Beyond expanding green card access, the NAS report suggests a more coordinated effort from the federal government in developing a comprehensive talent strategy. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) should play a central role in overseeing national talent recruitment and retention efforts, especially for international researchers.
The report also urges businesses and universities to advocate more effectively for the value of foreign-born talent, particularly in relation to national security and the long-term benefits of international collaboration in scientific research.
In conclusion, while there is a strong consensus on the need to grow the domestic STEM pipeline, NAS committee chair Mark Barteau emphasizes that relying solely on U.S.-born talent is not a viable solution in the short term. “For the next generation, at least, America’s leadership in technology and innovation will depend on the international talent we can attract and retain,” said Barteau, warning that failure to reform immigration policies would be a self-inflicted wound to the nation’s scientific and economic future.