Highlights of Zuckerman’s Article, “Why Math and Science Education Means More Jobs”

Mortimer B. Zuckerman  in his recent U.S. News & World Report article argues that we have to 1) Welcome more talent, and 2) Grant more visas

 To read the full article, click here:  ZUCKERMAN

Mr. Zuckerman argues that the college students of today are the human capital at the core of any productive economy.  Right now, there are too few of these people in the scientific disciplines.  America, the leader, now lags.  “Our future depends on the strength of our scientific spine.  Spelled out, it’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM, as it has become known. The skills derived from a STEM education are the mission-critical elements of the jobs of tomorrow, for they are directly linked to economic productivity and competitive products, ” states Mr. Zuckerman.

welcome talent

Mr. Zuckerman states:  “Remember that in the past the United States recruited Europe’s top experts for our nuclear programs, bringing in scientists such as Albert Einstein, Enrico Fermi, and Edward Teller. We need to consider how we can generate such an effect all over again, with an immigration policy to attract the brains, talent, and special skills that will enhance American innovation and competitiveness. “

Many of the best and brightest are already here.  If they receive their training here, the U.S. economy should benefit from their expertise.  The key would be how to hold onto them.

Grant more visas

Mr. Zuckerman states, “It is very shortsighted to still keep a tight grip on the number of H-1B visas, which are given to specially talented foreigners. Many have advocated an easement, but the forces of nativism have so far been more powerful. Increasing the number of visas would signal to the world employment markets that the United States is putting performance over other considerations in the race for economic productivity.”

I could not agree more with the last statement.  The H-1B cap system needs a face lift.  One argument is to do away with it entirely.  Another possibility would be to tie it to a dynamic figure, rather than the usual static # of 85,000.  When the economy is booming, we should not limit H-1Bs to merely 85,000.  The applicants who could not get visas willl simply go elsewhere, resulting in a brain drain.