Immigration Policy Meets STEMM: 11 Critical Shifts Threatening Scientific Talent in the U.S.

The United States has long fueled its innovation through a powerful combination: homegrown talent, including increasing numbers of women, Hispanics, and other underrepresented groups, and global talent — immigrants who bring new skills and ideas.

Immigrant students and professionals don’t replace the U.S. talent needed to meet the growing demands of science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) fields; they complement it, filling critical gaps in a competitive global race for innovation.

Today, a series of new executive orders and agency guidance (some already facing lawsuits) creates uncertainty for STEMM immigrants.

These policies and executive orders are hard to keep track of or understand. This isn’t a deep dive; it’s a quick summary of policies every STEMM student, healthcare provider, hiring manager, and corporate leader should know. 

For those seeking more information, I’ve included a curated list of references alongside each policy in the list.

But first:

10 Must-Know Facts About Who Could Be Impacted in STEMM’s Immigration Crisis

1. Over a quarter (26%) of foreign-born workers employed in the U.S. work in STEM. This includes both citizens and non-citizens; however, many non-citizens, especially those with temporary visas, hold high-level STEM roles, including those with doctoral degrees. 

2. 43% of doctorate-level scientists and engineers are foreign-born. More doctoral degrees are awarded to nonresidents than to all other races/ethnicities in the U.S. 

3. According to recent data, >70% of doctorate-level scientists stay to work in the U.S. after graduation (1).

4. Of all foreign-born STEM workers, 18% were born in Mexico, followed by 14% born in India, 7% in China, and 6% in the Philippines 1.

5. Over 1 million immigrant healthcare workers keep our hospitals running 2.

6. Almost 150,000 registered nurses are noncitizens, and half a million nursing aides and assistants are noncitizens 2.

7. Hispanic/Latinos make up 15% of the STEMM workforce 1. For more information on Latino STEMM professionals, read the January 3rd edition of the Latinos in STEMM Newsletter.

8. Foreign-born scientists constitute up to 50% of the biotech research workforce. 3.

9. Immigrant professionals hold one-third of U.S. patents from the last 30 years 4.

10. Immigrant STEMM talent contributes $38 billion annually and supports over 400,000 American jobs 5.

11 U.S. Immigration Policies That Could Disrupt STEMM Careers

Not all of these policies are currently in effect; some, such as the birthright citizenship order, face legal challenges. However, the uncertainty alone makes it more difficult for immigrant students and STEM workers to plan for the future. 

Latinos are disproportionately affected, despite their low presence in the STEM workforce (only about 8%), due to a high representation of immigrants and high reliance on support systems and funding. For this reason, these changes threaten progress.

Discover the key policies summarized in this shareable infographic, plus additional details and links below for deeper insights.

OPT visa restrictions = Loss of Critical STEMM Talent After Graduation 

• What it is: Optional Practical Training (OPT) serves as the bridge between graduation and career for approximately 200,000 international students each year. 

• What's happening: Under review for elimination or severe restrictions under various immigration policy reviews. 

• What this means: Immigrant students who've invested years in U.S. education could be forced to leave immediately after graduation (6).

• Counterargument (Rationale often cited by supporters): Protects U.S. jobs for citizens and permanent residents; addresses concerns about labor market saturation and wage suppression (7).

• Current legal status: Under review, not finalized—subject to public comment and potential legal challenge.

Federal Hiring Freeze = Paralyzing U.S. Research

• What it is: An executive order has eliminated research roles across the FDA, NSF, NIH, NASA, and other agencies (12, 13).

• What's happening: 50,000+ federal STEM roles stuck, research projects delayed, and grant review panels understaffed.

• What this means: Career advancement blocked for STEMM professionals in government, plus fewer research opportunities for the next generation. Combined with funding cuts (see below), this threatens America's leadership position in medical research.

• Counterargument: Aims to cut government expenses and increase efficiency (13).

• Legal status: In effect via executive order; subject to reversal.

AI visa Policy Reversal = Global Scientific Collaboration at risk

• What it was: Executive Order 14110 streamlined AI policies and supported visa pathways for AI talent. 

• What happened: EO 14110 was revoked and replaced with EO 14179, which prioritizes rapid AI development without coordinated visa support or safety oversight. 

• Why this affects Immigrants: Many immigrant STEMM professionals work in AI, machine learning, and data science fields. The removal of visa coordination would hurt international researchers and students in these high-demand areas (14), (15). The U.S. must ensure a steady pipeline of highly skilled STEMM talent to remain globally competitive.

• Counterargument: Prevents potential espionage and protects sensitive U.S. technology from foreign access; prioritizes domestic talent development.

• Legal status: EO 14110 revoked, replaced by EO 14179; immediate effect.

DEIA Rollbacks:

• What they target: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility programs in federal agencies and contractors. 

• What's happening: Elimination of diversity initiatives in STEMM education and hiring practices. 

• Why this matters: These programs have been crucial pathways for Latino and other immigrant groups to advance in STEMM fields. Their elimination removes systemic support structures that help level the playing field (16).

• Counterargument: DEI initiatives prioritize identity over merit, create division, are a waste of resources, and may lead to "reverse discrimination".

• Legal status: In effect for federal agencies; legal challenges ongoing.

Science Funding Cuts: 

• What it means: Proposed cuts to NSF (56%), NASA Science (46%), and NIH (37%). 

• Why this matters: Disproportionately affects immigrants, including first-generation Latino students, who are more likely to depend on federal research funding and fellowships (17, 18).

• Counterargument: Fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and redirection of resources towards perceived higher priorities. Some also argue that government-funded research may not effectively contribute to economic growth and can be inefficient or influenced by political agendas.

• Legal status: Proposed in the budget; must pass Congress.

Birthright Citizenship Challenges: 

Legal status: Not in effect; currently blocked by federal courts pending litigation.

• What's happening: The executive order aims to stop automatic U.S. citizenship for children born in the U.S. if neither parent is a citizen or permanent resident.

• Why this matters: Creates uncertainty for mixed-status families (19). A large percentage of Hispanic/Latino STEMM professionals are non-citizens, have at least one immigrant parent (20), or have had children while studying in the U.S. as nonresident aliens.

• Counterargument: Deters unauthorized immigration by removing incentives; aligns citizenship rules with those of many other countries.

• Legal status: Not in effect; currently blocked by federal courts pending litigation.

Enhanced SEVIS Enforcement and Social Media Monitoring = Fear and Uncertainty Among Students

• What's happening: Stricter monitoring of international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System creates a chilling effect on academic freedom (21).

• Why this matters: Fear of visa revocation or deportation affects not just enrollment but also the open academic exchange essential to innovation culture. Reports of visa revocations based on social media activity disproportionately affect students and professionals who engage in advocacy for their communities (22).

• Counterargument: Social media monitoring helps prevent visa fraud and ensures that foreign students follow U.S. laws, thereby upholding the integrity of the student visa system. It also enhances national security by identifying potential threats and extremist affiliations before individuals enter the country.

• Legal status: SEVIS enforcement changes in effect, but broader grounds for termination are facing legal challenges. Social Media Monitoring is in effect. It applies to all visa/benefit applicants and some current holders; controversial, not blocked.

Suspension of Student Visa Interviews = Fewer International Students Entering U.S. Universities

• What's happening: Thousands of F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa pathways are blocked before students start (23). 

• Why this matters: These aren’t just letters; they are crucial immigration pathways for thousands of people seeking to study or teach in the U.S. I, for example, came to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.

• Counterargument: Allows for more rigorous vetting and background checks; addresses concerns about fraud and abuse in student visa programs.

• Legal status: Paused for new applicants; in effect by executive action; no court injunction reported.

Changes to the DACA program

• What's Happening: The current administration is aiming to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The proposed rule would deny DACA recipients health coverage via the ACA Marketplace. New DACA applications are accepted but not processed due to a court ruling. Renewals are still being processed nationwide (24, 25).

• Why it Matters: DACA recipients face uncertainty about future protections, work authorization, and affordable healthcare access.

• Counterargument: Opponents argue that DACA should end because it was created through executive action rather than legislation, making it an overreach of presidential authority and inconsistent with established immigration law. Some states claim that DACA recipients burden state resources.

• Legal Status: DACA faces ongoing court challenges, with a ruling potentially heading to the Supreme Court. The healthcare rule is a proposed change. 

H1B Visa Restrictions

• What's Happening: The current administration is increasing its focus on H-1B enforcement and potentially prioritizing higher-paid workers. An H-1B Modernization Rule is in effect, aiming to streamline and strengthen the program. The lottery selection process is now wage-based, favoring higher salaries (26).

• Why it Matters: H-1B holders and applicants face increased scrutiny, potential changes to eligibility, and may face a more difficult time getting selected in the lottery if they are not among the highest-paid applicants. Employers may experience increased costs and risks, especially for entry-level positions.

• Counterargument: These changes are aimed at ensuring H-1B visas are used for the most skilled and highly compensated workers, protecting American jobs, and increasing program integrity.

• Legal Status: The H-1B Modernization Rule went into effect on January 17, 2025, clarifying requirements and enhancing enforcement measures. The wage-based lottery system is now in effect, although the higher lottery registration fee for FY2026 is still in the news. Some previous policies aimed at increasing prevailing wages were blocked by courts, suggesting potential legal challenges to future changes.

What You Can Do: Small Actions, Big Impact

• Mentor a student who might be affected by these changes.

• Donate to organizations fighting for immigrant rights in STEMM.

• Email your Representative to share your story or the story of a STEMM scientist who has been impacted in any way.

• Forward this newsletter to 3 colleagues who need to know.

For Leaders & Managers:

• Audit your team's visa status and work with your legal and HR teams to create contingency plans.

• Budget for immigration legal support.

• Establish partnerships with international offices for remote collaboration.

• Document the economic impact of losing international team members.

Fair Laws Still Need a Human Lens

Latino and immigrant professionals in STEMM don’t just contribute, they embody the American dream. 

Educated here. Working here. Building their future here.

But new immigration policies are doing more than adjusting paperwork; they’re disrupting careers, separating families, and sending a message that talent may no longer be welcome. While the rationale is often valid, the way these policies are proposed or executed is not.

The U.S. has a choice to make: Retain the global and homegrown talent fueling our STEMM economy, or lose them to countries ready to welcome and invest in their future.

Here’s the harsh reality: Congress is stalled. Executive orders are unstable. From visa restrictions to DEI rollbacks to birthright citizenship challenges, the rules are shifting faster than institutions can respond.

The concern here is not political. It’s practical and deeply human: even those who’ve played by the rules, earned their degrees, and driven scientific innovation are now being pushed out.

I believe in fair laws and humane policies. Fair laws and humane policies are not mutually exclusive.

That’s not national security. That’s a loss of potential we can’t afford.

Your story matters. Your expertise matters. Your future matters. If you're a student, scientist, or leader impacted by these policies, share your experience in the comments, or email me confidentially at undoctorporfavor@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading.