Attorney Anu Gupta on How Skilled Immigration Shapes the Long-Term U.S. Economy

At a time when the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a shortage of up to nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032, skilled immigrants are vital for maintaining stability and growth, particularly within high-demand sectors like healthcare. As Gupta astutely noted, “They come with distinct perspectives and rich cultural heritages, which can enrich us all if given a chance to be shared and celebrated. It’s not only a financial loss we face when they consider relocating; we stand to lose invaluable intellectual contributions too.”

Nevertheless, these skilled immigrants often face formidable obstacles. The CATO Institute reveals that highly educated immigrants will have to wait an average of 89 years to receive a green card, with immigrants from India facing an average wait time of 195 years. Gupta explained, “Everyone seems to assume that obtaining H-1 and H-1B visas for Indians and Chinese is a straightforward process. In reality, it’s far from it. Transitioning from an H-1B visa to securing a green card, that is, permanent residency, is a tremendously intricate and protracted journey. The complexities involved can be quite overwhelming.”

Gupta also shed light on the issues surrounding societal integration. “When we observe our local community associations, they should be representative of the people who reside in these communities. Yet, in places like Lexington, Massachusetts, where approximately 12% of the population is foreign-born, we don’t see this 12% represented in local associations. Foreign-born residents are not as deeply invested in their communities, often because they’re uncertain about their long-term status here. This uncertainty prevents them from actively participating in community improvement initiatives or events, which is a loss for everyone.”

In order to encourage skilled immigrants to participate more actively in community affairs and contribute to the broader U.S. economy, a policy reform is necessary. Gupta suggests adopting a points-based immigration system, akin to those in Canada and Australia, that prioritizes the attraction of highly skilled workers and their effective integration into the labor market. “The process of naturalization is a crucial step in assuring these individuals that they are indeed part of us, that we welcome and value them. In my view, we are a nation with an identity crisis, struggling to balance our diverse roots with our communal aspirations,” Gupta observed.

This insight builds a compelling argument for strategic immigration policy reform that acknowledges and promotes the significant contributions of skilled immigrants to the U.S. economy. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, a 1% increase in the share of workers with a college degree amplifies patents per capita by 15–30%, demonstrating the economic potential of these professionals. By harnessing this potential, America can secure a robust, resilient, and inclusive economic future, primed to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century.

Gupta further underscores the transformational potential of skilled immigrants in driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Referencing a report by the National Foundation for American Policy, she highlights that over half of America’s billion-dollar startup companies were founded by immigrants, underlining the entrepreneurial spirit they instill in the U.S. economy. She stated, “Consider those who hold patents to crucial innovations. If such a patent holder decides to leave the country, we don’t just lose that individual. We lose the potential of what they could have accomplished in the next 20 years.”

In addition to entrepreneurship, skilled immigrants are crucial in academia and research, sectors vital to the country’s long-term prosperity. Universities across the country have seen significant contributions in research and development from foreign-born students and faculty. Their work often results in breakthroughs across various fields, from healthcare to technology, advancing the frontiers of human knowledge. Their departure could mean losing not just talent but also potential innovative solutions they might have developed.

Yet, realizing this potential requires eliminating barriers that currently impede immigrants from fully participating in the American economy. As Gupta notes, the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the immigration process can be overwhelming, often preventing these professionals from fully committing to their new home. Without a sense of security and belonging, they might choose to take their skills elsewhere, thereby depriving the U.S. of their significant contributions.

To avert this “brain drain”, it is essential to prioritize reform in the immigration system, making it more efficient, fair, and welcoming for skilled immigrants. By doing so, the U.S. stands to benefit from their immediate contributions and lays the groundwork for future generations of innovators and entrepreneurs. As the country navigates the rapidly evolving economic landscape of the 21st century, these skilled immigrants, with their diverse perspectives and expertise, are key to ensuring a prosperous and resilient future.

Gupta’s narrative ultimately paints skilled immigrants as more than mere workers or job fillers. They are pivotal contributors to the American economy and society, adding cultural richness, stimulating innovation, and driving economic growth. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to reform our immigration policies to recognize and facilitate these contributions, positioning America for sustained success on the global stage.