International students have been the backbone of America’s most groundbreaking advances in science, technology, and artificial intelligence. But even temporary disruptions in the flow of international talent can ripple through our economy, education system, and national security for decades to come.
“Temporary” visa pauses and student flow disruptions impact more than enrollment. They threaten our innovation pipeline and workforce capacity. Just under half of the “ready-to-work” STEM talent in the US comes from international students.
Source: Science & Technology Policy Institute, “Economic Benefits and Losses from Foreign STEM Talent in the United States” 2000-2017
Additionally, America’s most critical, high-growth industries — AI, semiconductors, energy — depend heavily on international STEM talent. A report by the Seminconductor Industry Association highlights the projected gap this industry will face by 2030.
Source: Semiconductor Industry Association, 2024 Workforce Blueprint
From an artificial intelligence lens, 70%+ of full-time graduate students in AI-related fields at US universities are international students.
Source: Data set contains graduate counts from 2023 IPEDS completion data, and mapping leveraged NAICS codes via CIP SOC crosswalk and Shorelight imputed values
Without consistent access to this talent, the US faces a widening deficit in the sectors shaping the 21st-century economy. Global competitors like China are actively investing in attracting the researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs who once chose the United States.
America’s long-standing advantage in attracting the world’s best talent is not guaranteed. With more welcoming policies abroad and increasing visa delays at home, the US risks ceding its leadership to countries making global talent a top strategic priority.
Sources
NFAP Policy Brief – AI and Immigrants, National Foundation for American Policy
Forbes – 65% Of Top AI Companies Have Immigrant Founders
World Economic Forum – Why America Needs Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Science & Technology Policy Institute, “Economic Benefits and Losses from Foreign STEM Talent in the United States” 2000-2017
Semiconductor Industry Association, 2024 Workforce Blueprint
IPEDS 2023 Completion Data
