2021
Chapter
Innovation and Public Policy

Immigration Policy Levers for U.S. Innovation and Startups

By: William R. Kerr and Sari Pekkala Kerr

Format:Print

Abstract

Immigrants account for about a quarter of US invention and entrepreneurship despite a policy environment that is not well suited for these purposes. This chapter reviews the U.S. immigration policy environment that governs how skilled migrants move to America for employment-based purposes. We discuss points of strain in the current system and potential policy reforms that would likely increase the rate of innovation and the number of startups due to immigrants in the country. Key areas include adjustments to the allocation of permanent residency visas, adjustments to the H-1B visa program, and the creation of an immigrant startup visa.

Keywords

High-tech; H1-B; Immigration; Entrepreneurship; Innovation and Invention; Business Startups; Venture Capital

Citation

Kerr, William R., and Sari Pekkala Kerr. "Immigration Policy Levers for U.S. Innovation and Startups." In Innovation and Public Policy, edited by Austan D. Goolsbee and Benjamin F. Jones. University of Chicago Press, forthcoming.