Impacts on Scientific Workforce

Section Overview

This study explores impacts on the emerging scientific workforce, particularly international students and postdocs, due to changes and delays to the US visa and immigration process over the past year. Responses on this page are part of a larger survey on visa and immigration impacts on higher education with additional topics covering mobility and policy impacts.

Question

In your opinion, to what extent have US visa and immigration policies increased or decreased the following? (N=343)

Finding

About 75% of scientists said that US visa and immigration policies have increased international students’ preference for jobs outside of the US after graduation.

About 90 percent responded that current visa and immigration policies have decreased international students’ applications to study in the US.

Question

In the past 12 months, have you experienced any of the following? (N=285)

Finding

More than one-half of all respondents (51%) lost international student recruits due to visa or immigration issues.

Among respondents, 43% could not hire new international students because of visa and immigration-related issues.

Question

In the past 12 months, have you experienced any of the following? (N=114)

Finding

Among respondents who employ postdocs, 37% could not hire new international postdocs because of visa and immigration-related issues.

Among scientists who employ postdocs, less than one-quarter (22%) lost international postdocs they had recruited due to visa or immigration issues.

Question

In the past 12 months, have you supported and engaged the international students you work with or mentor in any of the following ways? (N=285)

Finding

For scientists, the three most common ways of supporting and engaging international students are through:

• Regular meetings (83%)
• Group, research or lab meetings (78%)
• Regular updates and outline communication expectations (77%)

About 52% of the scientists provide information regarding mental and health resources to their international students. 43% have encouraged students to do counseling sessions.

Question

In the past 12 months, have you discussed any of the following visa or immigration issues with international students or postdocs?(N=300)

Finding

About 85% of respondents discussed visa uncertainties with international students or postdocs.

Approximately half of respondents discussed postponement of studies (54%) and concerns about harassment (49%) with international students or postdocs.

Less than one third discussed loss of interest in studies or research (31%) with international students/postdocs in the past 12 months.