Back

Next

Why the US is losing foreign graduates

March 20, 2009

"Rather than inciting populist sentiment against foreigners and fostering a new nativism, policymakers could instead provide incentive programs to encourage foreign immigrant entrepreneurship, perhaps pairing fast-track residency status with launching of companies," says Wadhwa. "This would help ensure that those who want to stay and start companies can do so."

Wadhwa points out that immigrants have helped found many prominent companies, particularly in the technology field. Among them are Google, Intel, eBay, and Yahoo.

The report also recommends loosening restrictions on temporary work visas, such as the H-1B visas that are used by highly skilled workers from other countries.

Image: Happy Indian students graduating from their class. | Photograph: Krishnendu Halder/Reuters