Another shortsighted policy that may put the US at a disadvantage

The Administration just stopped several tech companies like Microsoft from using special visas to hire foreign workers in high tech jobs.

The reasoning is that companies should hire American workers because they are the most talented in the world. Well, if that was always true and in sufficient supply, they would be the ones hired. They pay both workers the same.

The number one reason to allow skilled foreign workers is this.

Access to a Global Talent Pool

• Specialized Expertise: Technologies in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, and advanced cryptography rely on specialized academic pipelines. Companies recruit top researchers, PhDs, and engineers worldwide regardless of citizenship.
• Retaining International STEM Graduates: A large percentage of advanced degree (Master’s and PhD) graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at U.S. universities are international students. Visas allow tech companies to hire these graduates directly out of American universities rather than losing them to other markets.

Cutting off this supply of talent puts the US at a long-term disadvantage. And likely the companies will need to set up development centers where the talent they need lives and where they likely can pay less as well.

The American first ideology is not always what is best for our country and its people. In this case others countries may attract the talent we need and technological advancement by the US may be hampered.

This administration and its supporters too often forget the United States is one 195 countries in the world, we are part of a global society and it is in our best interests to recognize that in business, economics and politics. Nationalism and isolation even America First work against us in a highly connected world.