Immigration changes are driving foreign researchers to leave the U.S.
4 hours ago
- An Indian Ph.D. student chose to return to India instead of pursuing a U.S. postdoc due to burdensome visa renewal requirements, including disclosing social media profiles and a two-month lab absence.
- A STAT survey found that 14% of NIH-funded researchers reported immigration policy changes forced scientists to turn down offers, and 13% lost researchers to other countries.
- Visa delays, travel bans affecting three dozen countries, and new fees like the $100,000 H-1B surcharge are creating obstacles for international scientists and doctors.
- International trainees are scared to travel home or to conferences due to reentry fears, leading to fewer applications and some considering leaving programs early.
- Physician shortages worsened as some doctors from banned countries faced frozen visa renewals, preventing them from working and threatening patient care.
- While the U.S. remains a top destination, researchers warn of long-term brain drain as opportunities improve elsewhere.