Tech Today with Eric Tarczynski Why Immigration Is America’s Innovation Engine with Jeremy Neufeld
Jun 2, 2025
Jeremy Neufeld, Director of Immigration Policy at the Institute for Progress, explains how immigration fuels American innovation, especially in tech. He discusses the crucial role of student visas and H-1Bs in powering AI startups, revealing that 70% of founders come from this pipeline. Neufeld highlights the risks of policy missteps that let other countries, like China, gain an edge. He also proposes a more talent-friendly immigration system that could strengthen national security while promoting innovation.
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International Education Fuels Immigration
- U.S. high-skilled immigration heavily relies on international education as the recruitment pathway.
- Temporary work visas mainly serve to retain international students post-graduation.
Immigrants Drive AI Innovation
- About 70% of top AI startups are founded by immigrants who entered on student visas.
- Cutting student visas supply threatens innovation and U.S. competitiveness, especially versus China.
Immigration Amplifies Innovation Synergy
- High-skilled immigrants and natives collaborate, boosting productivity beyond filling isolated jobs.
- Innovation depends on global talent chemistry, not fixed job competition.