A new report has revealed the crucial role that immigrants play in shaping the artificial intelligence (AI) industry in the United States. According to a study conducted by the National Foundation for American Policy, 65% of the top AI companies in the US have been founded or co-founded by immigrants. This finding highlights the significant contributions made by foreign-born talent in establishing some of the most influential AI companies across the nation.
Immigrants driving AI innovation in the US
The report underscores that immigrants are not just participants in the US AI industry, but they are at the forefront of innovation. These entrepreneurs have co-founded or led companies that have become household names in the AI space, pushing the boundaries of technology and driving the industry’s rapid growth. It is clear that foreign-born individuals are crucial to the US`s ability to maintain its leadership in the global AI market.
Furthermore, the report notes that 70% of full-time graduate students in fields related to AI are international students, further emphasizing the reliance on foreign-born talent in the AI sector. The data also indicates that between 40% and 60% of AI-related master`s degrees have been awarded to non-US citizens in the last five years, with this trend becoming even more pronounced at the Ph.D. level. In 2022 alone, 59% of Ph.D. recipients in AI-related fields were non-US citizens.
Immigration remains crucial for retaining talent
While the US has long been a magnet for foreign talent, the report also highlights the challenges associated with retaining skilled workers. According to the White House Council of Economic Advisers, between 40% and 60% of foreign-born AI Ph.D. graduates experience difficulties staying in the US due to immigration barriers. As many as 60% of non-US citizen AI Ph.D. holders have reported facing challenges staying in the country, compared to just 12% of their peers in other nations.
This issue of talent retention is particularly significant as the global demand for AI professionals continues to outpace supply. As reported by Forbes, countries that can attract and retain top AI talent gain significant economic and strategic advantages, further cementing the US’s need for comprehensive immigration reform to stay competitive.
