We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!
Export Podcast Subscriptions
cover of episode Who Does Science? Under Trump, That Could Change

Who Does Science? Under Trump, That Could Change

2024/12/9
logo of podcast Short Wave

Short Wave
AI Deep Dive AI Insights AI Chapters Transcript
People
E
Emily Kwong
J
John Hamilton
Topics
Emily Kwong: 讨论了特朗普政府收紧H-1B签证政策可能对美国科研造成的不利影响，指出这可能会导致许多外国科学家离开美国，从而造成人才流失。 John Hamilton: 详细阐述了特朗普政府对H-1B签证政策的收紧措施，包括提高拒签率、暂停部分签证申请以及对特定国家的限制。他指出，这些措施是基于特朗普政府将H-1B签证视为用廉价外国劳工取代美国工人的观点。他还提到，斯蒂芬·米勒的回归可能会加剧这一问题。Hamilton还解释了H-1B签证的申请条件和重要性，以及它对美国科学研究的贡献。他采访了多位科学家，讲述了他们因为签证问题而选择离开美国或面临离开的困境，并分析了美国科研机构可能面临的人才竞争压力以及美国本土科学家数量不足的问题。 Raimundo Baez-Mendoza: 一位在哈佛大学工作，后因签证问题和美国社会对移民的不友好氛围而选择去德国工作的科学家，他的经历说明了美国签证政策对科研人才流动的影响。 Hamid Reza Ramazanpour: 一位因签证被拒而无法参加美国学术会议的伊朗科学家，他的经历也反映了美国签证政策的严苛和对科研交流的阻碍。 Lely Mortazavi: 一位在获得加拿大护照后才得以进入斯坦福大学深造的伊朗裔科学家，她对美国签证政策的担忧也反映了众多外国科学家的共同感受。 John Hamilton: 详细分析了特朗普政府的移民政策对美国科学界的影响，特别是对那些依靠H-1B签证工作的外国科学家的影响。他指出，这项政策可能会导致美国失去许多顶尖的科学家，而其他国家则会从中受益。他还强调，美国本土培养的顶尖科学家数量不足以满足需求，因此依赖外国人才并非出于对外国工人的偏好，而是出于科研需求。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why is the incoming Trump administration's stance on H-1B visas concerning for foreign-born scientists?

The Trump administration aims to make H-1B visas harder to obtain, which could deter top foreign researchers from working in the U.S. and prompt them to seek opportunities in other countries.

How many H-1B visas are granted annually, and what is their significance?

Congress sets a cap of 85,000 new H-1B visas each year, with 20,000 reserved for those with a master's degree from a U.S. university. These visas are crucial for attracting highly educated foreign scientists and engineers to the U.S.

What was the impact of Trump's first term policies on H-1B visas?

During Trump's first term, the denial rate for H-1B visas doubled or tripled, and some specialties became ineligible. In 2020, borders were temporarily closed to H-1B visa holders, making it significantly harder for foreign scientists to work in the U.S.

What role did Stephen Miller play in Trump's H-1B visa policies?

Stephen Miller, a policy advisor during Trump's first term, was instrumental in implementing stricter H-1B visa regulations. He is now back in a key advisory role, raising concerns about further restrictions.

How does the difficulty in obtaining H-1B visas affect U.S. scientific research?

The scarcity of H-1B visas may lead top foreign scientists to work in other countries, potentially causing a brain drain in U.S. scientific research. Other nations, more open to immigration, could benefit from this shift.

What examples illustrate the impact of visa policies on foreign scientists?

Raimundo Baez-Mendoza, a top scientist, left the U.S. for Germany due to visa issues. Hamid Reza Ramazanpour, an Iranian scientist, was denied a visa and now works in Canada. These cases highlight how restrictive policies can push talent abroad.

What is the current situation for H-1B visas under the Biden administration?

Under President Biden, H-1B visas became easier to obtain compared to Trump's policies. However, with Trump's return to power, there is concern that these visas may again become more restrictive.

How does the U.S. compare to other countries in attracting foreign scientists?

The U.S. faces competition from countries like Canada and the UK, which are more welcoming to immigrants. Brexit, for instance, made it harder for EU scientists to work in the UK, prompting them to seek opportunities elsewhere in Europe.

What is the potential impact of visa restrictions on American scientific institutions?

American institutions may struggle to fill top scientific positions, as U.S. schools do not produce enough本土科学家 to meet demand. This could weaken the U.S. scientific enterprise and benefit other nations.

Chapters
The incoming Trump administration's stricter stance on H-1B visas raises concerns about its potential impact on foreign-born scientists in the United States. This could lead to a shortage of skilled researchers and a potential "brain drain" as scientists seek opportunities elsewhere.
  • Trump administration aims to make it harder for foreign scientists to obtain H-1B visas.
  • Concerns exist regarding the impact on US research due to the significant number of foreign-born scientists working under H-1B visas.
  • Trump's previous actions on H-1B visas during his first term are cited as a basis for concern.

Shownotes Transcript

The next four years may be challenging for foreign-born scientists who want to work in the United States. Foreign-born workers account for about half of the doctoral-level scientists and engineers working in the U.S., but the incoming Trump administration wants to make it harder for them to get H-1B visas. Some scientists worry a scarcity of H-1B visas may prompt top foreign researchers to work in other countries. *If you liked this episode, consider checking out some more episodes on the brain, including the neuroscience of disagreements), **fear *)*and fruit flies). **Questions or ideas you want us to consider for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]). We'd love to hear from you!*Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)