The Indicator from Planet Money We're about to lose a lot of foreign STEM workers
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Sep 30, 2025 The recent announcement of a hefty fee for H-1B visa petitioners raises eyebrows about its impact on foreign STEM workers. An economist explains how these visa holders have significantly boosted U.S. productivity and innovation. While there are debates about wage effects, he highlights that many gains often outweigh local wage pressures. Meanwhile, countries like Canada and the UK are poised to capitalize on America's potential brain drain in tech and AI fields. The stakes are high as policy choices might shape the global landscape for talent.
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Honeymoon Panic Over H-1B Rule
- Darian Woods and his wife panicked on their honeymoon after the announced $100,000 H-1B fee because she is on an H-1B visa.
- They missed their last flight home, later learned the rule didn't apply retroactively, and resumed their trip.
H-1B Is The Main High-Skill Bridge
- The H-1B program, created in 1990, is the main bridge for high-skilled global talent into the U.S. economy.
- It has strict rules, employer sponsorship, wage bands, and an annual cap that shape labor flows.
H-1B Flows Boost Innovation And Growth
- Research shows H-1B inflows raise patents, startup creation, and firm survival, boosting U.S. productivity.
- One study estimated the program explained 30–50% of U.S. productivity growth over two decades.