The Importance of International Students for Innovation

We’re facing a critical threat to American innovation. With visa appointments suspended and thousands of students' statuses already revoked and lives upended, we're witnessing a self-inflicted wound to American competitiveness. As the Executive Director of the American Statistical Association, I view this policy shift with serious concern. Statistics drives innovation across every sector of the economy, particularly in healthcare, AI, and high tech. When we block exceptional talent from outside the U.S., we don't protect American interests - we undermine them. In the field of statistics, where breakthroughs in AI and medical research depend on culturally diverse perspectives, restricting this pipeline is counterproductive. International students comprise a significant portion of statistics programs, earning 60% of master’s degrees and 70% of doctoral degrees awarded in statistics in recent years (NCSES). Overall, 56% of international students are pursuing STEM fields, with 25% working on degrees in mathematics, statistics, and computer science (Open Doors Report). Graduate statistics programs rarely see domestic and international students competing for the same spots. These spots would often go unfilled without international talent. At the undergraduate level, international students don’t crowd out U.S. students – the higher tuition they pay enables universities to expand offerings (National Foundation for American Policy). Further, their global perspectives strengthen classrooms and research. As the Economist notes “Though America has more foreign students than any other country, it would seem to have room for more: they make up only about 6% of those in higher education, compared with over 25% in each of its main competitors—Britain, Australia and Canada.” International students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023-2024, supporting over 378,000 American jobs. Every three international students create or sustain one U.S. job across the broader economy (NAFSA: Association of International Educators). In STEM fields like statistics, this economic multiplier effect is particularly significant given these students' higher likelihood of remaining in the U.S. workforce post-graduation. Increasingly, our world relies on data and statistical thinking to drive discovery and inform decisions. While there is certainly a need to bolster homegrown talent, doing so will require time and significant investment. So, let’s invest, but let’s also bring in the best in the world to the U.S. Why risk the future of data-driven progress? Why reduce our nation’s competitiveness? America's strength in statistics comes from attracting global, diverse talent, not from isolating ourselves from it. Personal note: My life has been enriched by colleagues from around the world. As a cancer survivor, I'm alive today in part because of research and care from people born abroad. We must ensure this expertise remains available for future generations.

At a moment when America debates its global role, Michael Crow offers a powerful insight: our future strength begins in classrooms. In his Wall Street Journal op-ed, he calls America back to our best tradition: embracing global talent as crucial architects of our nation's future. Considering Crow’s insights and today’s headlines, I'm reflecting what genuine global leadership requires. As a Marshall Scholar, I experienced first-hand how Britain's investment in an exchange with American graduate students built lifelong bonds of trust and cooperation. General Marshall understood that enduring peace and prosperity are secured through investments in relationships, including by nurturing future leaders through education, scientific collaboration, and mutual understanding. Raising our family near Arizona State University, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of international students close to home. For example, ASU's nearly 18,000 international students have propelled Phoenix to the forefront of America's semiconductor revolution, attracting $160 billion in foreign investment from companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. International talent is not just visiting—they’re actively building America’s technological and economic future. Crow reminds us that international students also extend America’s values globally, becoming informal ambassadors of democracy, innovation, and collaboration. Today, 70 world leaders, from presidents to monarchs, were educated in American universities, influencing global politics and alliances positively for decades. But this invaluable resource is under threat from restrictive immigration policies. Programs enabling international graduates to work temporarily in the U.S. face potential cuts, jeopardizing our innovation pipeline. Now more than ever, America must reaffirm its commitment to serving as the campus for the world. This includes sustaining robust #NSF and #NIH funding, and immigration policies that welcome the brightest minds worldwide. Our future greatness lies not in isolation but in active, educational diplomacy that starts in the classroom. I encourage you to read Michael’s thoughtful piece that calls us all to recognize and support the power of international education and innovation as America's strongest pathway forward.

From my Princeton colleague Eduardo Bhatia and imo good points, some of the key quotes: "But more importantly, international students are key pieces of the country's scientific, medical and business future. American universities have been centers open to the talent of the world. 70% of the full-time graduate students in electrical engineering and computer science in the United States today are international. Elon Musk himself, a South African, arrived as a student at the University of Pennsylvania and has revolutionized the car and space industries. Satya Nadella, from India, studied in Wisconsin and today runs Microsoft. Sundar Pichai, another Indian student at Stanford, leads Alphabet, Google's parent company. And it's not just students, international academics have made the United States their permanent residence. No one is more notorious than the German physicist, mathematician, philosopher, violinist and Nobel Laureate Albert Einstein who in 1933 moved to my alma mater, Princeton University in New Jersey. The Trump administration's policy towards international students and academics is not only short-sighted, but deeply detrimental to the country's strategic interests. It undermines economic growth, scientific progress and global leadership. While European countries take advantage to attract these displaced students, America risks a self-inflicted brain drain. Harvard President Alan Garber put it clearly in his lawsuit: "Without international students, Harvard is not Harvard." The same can be said about the United States: without international minds present and welcome, the nation we know today would not exist."

The H1B visa debate: It is a bit personal to me and it is not about filling jobs I came to the U.S. as an international student on an #F-1 visa. After earning my Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley, I joined American Express, secured an H1-B visa, obtained a green card, and eventually became a U.S. citizen. I distinctly remember the day when my wife and I took our citizenship oath in Newark, NJ. And, I have proudly voted in every local and national election since. After a ~30-year career I recently retired from the corporate world. And, amongst a few highlights I was lucky to secure nearly 20 #patents. Lately, I have been devoting more time with educational institutions and noticed that international students dominate master's and PhD #STEM programs.  And the numbers speak volumes: ➡️ 40% of STEM PhDs in America are international students. ➡️ 32% of American STEM graduates are children of immigrants (my son is one of them). ➡️ 49% of crucial research positions are held by global talent. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s the engine of innovation. The H1B Visa is more than a work permit - it’s an investment in American innovation and economic growth. Think about it: Would you rather see the next breakthrough AI company launch: ✅ Here in America, creating jobs and driving prosperity ✅ Or elsewhere, competing against us? The reality is, we don’t have enough STEM masters and PhD graduates to fill advanced positions. Our universities rely on international talent to maintain research excellence, and our startups thrive on diverse perspectives to innovate. 👍 (F1 -> H1B) Visas + American Dreams = World-Changing Innovation. Let’s not frame this as a choice between prioritizing American workers or supporting global talent. Instead, let’s recognize that embracing global talent strengthens America’s position as the world’s innovation leader. The question isn’t whether we need H1B visas. Yes, it has weaknesses, and it needs fixing. The question is: Do we want to lead the future of innovation or watch it happen somewhere else? Because talent will always find a way to innovate. The only question is where. P.S.: America's greatest strength has always been its ability to attract and harness the best minds from around the globe. Let’s continue to power our ingenuity with the diversity that defines us. #globaltalent #innovationnation #immigrantentrepreneurs #diversitydrivesInnovation #h1Bvisa Sources: https://lnkd.in/etCX-kTf https://lnkd.in/eaRRuhVR https://lnkd.in/eR9BSnG6 https://lnkd.in/eAHy4ijU

The Future of International Education in the U.S.: Why It Matters More Than Ever Are we risking America’s competitiveness by pushing away the very talent we need most? Our new report explores how President Trump’s second-term immigration policies are transforming the landscape for international students and scholars—and why it matters for all of us. A Few Eye-Opening Numbers: - International students make up only about 5% of U.S. higher ed enrollments but account for nearly 50% of STEM graduate degrees. - For every 100 international students, research shows 262 additional U.S. jobs are created—that’s an economic multiplier we can’t ignore. - Canada’s international student population recently soared past 800,000, a significant jump as it positions itself as a more welcoming destination. Meanwhile, the U.K. saw a 30%+ increase in foreign students last year alone. Why This Matters: - Universities rely on international enrollments to fund research, diversify classrooms, and maintain top global rankings. Fewer incoming students jeopardize those strengths. - Employers depend on STEM graduates to drive innovation, fill critical positions, and keep the U.S. at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. - Global competition is escalating. As other countries expand opportunities for foreign talent, the U.S. could see a “brain drain” at exactly the time we need global expertise to stay competitive. What’s Inside the Report: 1. Policy Rundown: A thorough breakdown of second-term executive orders and new regulations shaping F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT, H-1B, and green card processes. 2. Data & Analysis: Hard-hitting statistics on how international students fuel research, innovation, and local economies—and how restrictive policies can backfire. 3. Future Trends: How these policies are likely to evolve in the near term, and what that means for the global standing of U.S. higher education. 4. Actionable Recommendations: • For Students & Scholars: Strategies to navigate visas, secure work authorizations, and plan career trajectories. • For Universities & Colleges: Ways to adapt recruitment, retention, and advocacy efforts to maintain diversity and research capacity. • For Employers: Practical steps to manage workforce planning, champion policy changes, and attract global talent under shifting regulations. Whether you’re a university administrator looking to preserve your institution’s global appeal, an employer trying to recruit top-tier STEM talent, or an international student keen on future opportunities in the U.S., this report shines a light on what’s at stake—and how to move forward. Feel free to comment with your experiences, questions, or concerns. Let’s collaborate on solutions that ensure the U.S. remains a global hub for knowledge, discovery, and opportunity. #Visa #University #Trump

At the recent National Academy of Inventors (NAI) induction, one truth stood out clearly: So many of the honorees were immigrants. These are scientists and engineers who came to the United States with ideas, ambition, and a desire to contribute. They built labs, trained the next generation, and created technologies that are now part of the backbone of American innovation. This is not an accident. The U.S. has long been a magnet for global talent—not just because of its resources, but because it promised freedom to explore, freedom to collaborate, and a system that judged you by your work, not by where you were born. Yet now, we’re seeing a dangerous shift. Scientists are being quietly blacklisted, excluded from funding or opportunities—not based on any wrongdoing, but because they had students from certain countries. Or past affiliations that were completely legal, encouraged, and even celebrated just a few years ago. This echoes a darker time in U.S. history—McCarthyism, where guilt by association replaced fairness and due process. We cannot afford to go down that path again. Not morally. Not scientifically. Not economically. Innovation thrives in open environments. It withers under fear and suspicion. If we start canceling scientists for their global collaborations—rather than judging the actual merit of their work—we don’t just lose talent. We lose the future. Let’s be clear: 🧬 Immigrants fuel discovery. 🔬 Global science drives progress. 🗽 And freedom to think, teach, and explore is what made American innovation the envy of the world. We need to fight for that freedom now—before we lose it.

Don’t Do It. Ending OPT Would Be a Massive Mistake for America. This week, two headlines—one from the UK, one from the US—paint a deeply concerning picture about how short-term politics are threatening long-term prosperity. UK Case Study (May 22): ManpowerGroup reports that 76% of UK employers still struggle to fill roles. - Tech sectors face critical shortages - 97% of manufacturers say hiring challenges hinder growth - 54% of logistics companies are expecting skills shortages to increase over the next five years. The very next day, The PIE weekly a reported a record fall in net migration due to crackdowns on international student dependants. UK number of international enrolments has dropped by 17,000.📉 The result? The talent pipeline is drying up while demand surges. A self-inflicted wound. Now let’s look at the 🇺🇸 United States. This week: President Trump’s immigration nominee vows to end OPT—a program that allows international students to gain practical work experience after graduation. Let’s be clear: 📌 OPT is not a loophole. It’s a talent bridge. 📌 International students bring fresh ideas, global insight, and advanced skills—especially in STEM fields. 📌 Over 50% of graduate-level students in U.S. engineering and computer science programs are international. 📌 Many of them stay, work, innovate, and start companies that employ Americans. Ending OPT doesn’t just hurt students. It hurts America. It tells top talent: “You’re good enough to train here, but not good enough to contribute here.” Meanwhile, U.S. industries—from biotech to AI to clean energy—are begging for qualified workers. And just like the UK, we risk slamming the door on the very people who could help us grow. This isn’t about politics. It’s about economic reality. If we want to compete globally, we can’t afford to chase talent away. To policymakers: Don’t do it. Don’t make OPT the next casualty. To professionals, educators, and employers: Your voice matters now more than ever. 💬 What would your industry look like without international student talent? See the comment below for links to data from the UK. #ProtectOPT #InternationalStudents #SkilledImmigrants

As an educator, I’m deeply concerned by the troubling trend unfolding in U.S. higher education—one that carries long-term implications for human capital and global competitiveness. Recently, a brilliant student (my college buddy's son)—ranked among the top in his nation and backed by a prestigious scholarship from a major oil company—secured admission to Purdue and Penn State. Yet, due to visa uncertainty, his sponsors redirected him to the U.K. instead. This isn't an isolated case. A close colleague, a highly accomplished professor and banking practitioner with experience at the Fed and World Bank, recently lost her position when her top ranking university shut down master’s programs—citing 50–70% visa rejection rates for international students as a key reason. In the 2023–2024 fiscal year, the U.S. F-1 student visa rejection rate soared to a decade-high of 41%, nearly double the rate from a decade ago. International students contribute approximately $44 billion annually to the U.S. economy and are integral to research, innovation, and cultural exchange. As an economist I strongly feel that policies that deter them not only harm individual aspirations but also undermine the nation's academic and economic vitality. These are not just personal setbacks; they are systemic cracks. International students and scholars bring talent, diversity, and critical funding. The U.S. risks losing its edge as a global hub for education, innovation, and leadership. We need policy clarity, consistency, and a recommitment to attracting global talent—not pushing it away.

Trump’s $3B Threat VS Harvard: Why It’s Bigger Than One School? Last week, Trump proposed blocking Harvard University from enrolling international students and threatened to redirect $3B in federal #research grants. It’s part of a broader push targeting elite universities. But this move has implications far beyond Harvard. Here’s what it signals and why it matters to all of us building the future of tech, startups, and science: → Global Talent is on the Line. International students make up 27% of Harvard’s student body and they’re deeply embedded in the U.S. innovation pipeline, from PhDs to startup CTOs. Shutting the door risks losing top minds to other countries. → Research and Innovation Take a Hit. The $3B in question? It largely funds scientific and biomedical research. Cutting that funding weakens the foundation of U.S. competitiveness in #AI, #biotech, and deep tech. → Startups Feel the Ripple. Founders and early-stage teams often emerge from these academic ecosystems. Policies that destabilize universities directly impact the next wave of startup formation and #VC deal flow. → The U.S. Brand Loses Its Shine. For decades, top talent has chosen the U.S. for its openness, ambition, and opportunity. Moves like this shift that perception and global competitors are ready to catch the talent we push away. As someone working at the intersection of tech and venture, I believe we need policies that strengthen -not shrink (!) - the talent pool. America’s edge has always been its ability to attract the best. Let’s keep it that way! Curious to hear from others: How do you see these kinds of policies impacting the future of innovation? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ~~~ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and subscribe on Substack https://lnkd.in/gEKRbt6p for more news on #AI, #Investing and #Innovation 🧠

I just need one chance. That’s the reality for many international students in US - highly skilled, hardworking, and ready to contribute, yet often overlooked due to visa complexities. They leave their home countries, step into unfamiliar environments, and work twice as hard to prove themselves. But despite their talent and dedication, the biggest challenge they face isn’t their ability-it’s getting an opportunity. Here’s why hiring international students is a smart move: ✅ Fast learners – Moving across the world teaches adaptability. They quickly adjust to new environments, tools, and challenges. ✅ Diverse perspectives – Their global experiences bring fresh ideas, helping teams think outside the box and drive innovation. ✅ Strong work ethic – With extra hurdles to overcome, they go the extra mile, proving their commitment and resilience. ✅ High-demand skills – Many specialize in STEM, data, and emerging technologies - fields where companies actively seek top talent. ✅ Inclusive teams perform better – Research shows that diversity fosters stronger problem-solving, creativity, and business growth. At the end of the day, hiring should be about skills, dedication, and potential - not just visa status. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance. To international students: Keep pushing. The right opportunity is just around the corner. Your hard work and resilience will pay off. To companies: If you’re looking for talent that’s committed, resourceful, and ready to make an impact, consider hiring international students. You won’t regret it. #internationalstudents #jobsearch #OPT