Attracting Immigrant Talent With A New American Dream

Jay Kulkarni Founded Theorem Inc. in 2002 and serves as the driving force for its mantra of “Optimize Today, Build Tomorrow”.

For centuries, business and government leaders have relied upon America’s pursuit of industry and innovation to attract talent from around the globe. Around two-thirds of Silicon Valley tech workers are immigrants, and the rise of remote work opens them up to a literal world of possibilities. As we adapt to this era that relies on technology, biosciences and green energy more than ever before, I must ask myself as a business leader: Has the American Dream that once lured immigrants like me to the United States changed along with everything else?

What The U.S. Offers Immigrants

The U.S. has looked to immigrants anytime we aimed to create industry. Consider the Chinese and Irish immigrants who built the railways in the 1800s, the scientists and academics who came from Europe after World War II and the Indian immigrants who make up 22% of the surgeons and physicians practicing medicine today. This is also true of the most recent industrial wave of technology. Immigrants flocked to Silicon Valley, transforming it into the progressive powerhouse that has redefined how businesses utilize and commercialize technology. But as the Silicon Valley tech boom fades to a steady hum and the Covid-19 pandemic continues to change how we approach work, we find ourselves in search of a new frontier. 

The benefits that attracted me to the U.S. mirror those that drew immigrants here throughout the past century: the promise of opportunity, access to education and the American ideals that embody freedom and inspire innovation. Over the past 30 years, I, along with many others, endured the U.S.’s rigorous paperwork and visa process to tread a shorter path to the middle class that we didn’t see available back home. When the U.S. needed low-cost engineers and talent to fuel the burgeoning tech boom, the promise of good income, education, career growth and the chance to build something new produced a steady stream of tech-oriented talent from abroad. The impact of global talent on the American tech industry has been world-changing. From Google’s Sergey Brin to Tesla’s Elon Musk, 55% of the founders of billion-dollar startups are immigrants. But given the costs and complexities of our immigration policies, are the benefits to coming here still the same?

Changing Realities

Today, opportunities are no longer location-based. The Covid-19 pandemic brought us the end of the daily commute, providing office workers with access to good-paying jobs without having to step out of their houses. Due to the growing number of remote work policies, the technology and emerging skill workforce opportunities that the U.S. once promised are available globally. Plus, Asian economies are booming, and many U.S. companies are opening offices abroad in response. Why should engineers move to the U.S. if the companies they want to work for are coming to their doorstep? 

Additionally, education has been democratized through accessibility and connectivity. Once considered an American specialty, higher education has also evolved, along with the necessity of a college degree. Many engineers are self-taught, accessing the industry’s latest practices and strategies online for a low cost or no cost at all. Due to the rapid development of tech practices, colleges can’t keep up, so rather than opt for a pricey degree, engineers and hiring companies alike place more value on the ability to do the work and perform the job, regardless of educational pedigree. 

This leads us to the question: How can we attract a generation of science and technology talent that has been shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic? Here are three ways.

1. Respond to the values of a new generation of talent. 

Post-pandemic, values-driven Millennial and Gen-Z workers are more discerning than ever before regarding the companies they work for, along with the impact their work creates. They rate diversity, equity and inclusion as a top priority, which means a workplace that welcomes immigrants by enabling them to see themselves reflected in its culture and community. 

Desiring more than just a paycheck, these workers want to dedicate their talent, skills and values to contribute to something beyond an individual career. Fortunately, U.S. business leaders are readily equipped to meet these expectations when we examine our missions through the lens of sustainability. 

2. Leverage our edge as the epicenter of renewable energy and green jobs.

Through government incentives, the U.S. can lead the world in sustainable initiatives. Green energy, sustainable technology and bioscience could be our next big wave, accelerating America’s growth the same way railroads did in the 19th century. Sustainability is a hot topic for the rising talent businesses seek to attract. A recent study revealed that 71% of Millennials and 67% of Gen-Z say the climate is their top priority. With a nod from the workers who will make it happen, producing green jobs can secure our future as a global leader in the technologies that will fuel our economy and save our planet. 

3. Make it easier to contribute to America’s success. 

As business leaders, we must understand the New American Dream as a global one. Today, we compete with a network of global opportunities. We seek to attract a generation of talent that wants not just to enrich themselves; they want to empower communities both near and far. Rather than seeing these paradigm shifts as a roadblock, I believe this is a milestone moment for the U.S. business community as a whole. I encourage us to welcome this new era as one in which everyone can thrive by embracing the power of change.

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        Meto

        Meto

        Meto is a tech-based nonprofit intent on making access to quality higher education a reality for all students. We have a special focus on creating scholarships for low-income students.


        In 2018, Meto was founded to connect African students with university opportunities. Along the way, we have learned that all students can benefit from our innovative model, wherein universities make the first move and invite good-fit students to apply. So, in 2023, we opened our platform to students across the globe.

        website: https://meto-intl.org/

                  Nikhil Badlani Foundation

                  The Mission of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation (the “Foundation”) is to enhance the lives of underserved children in West Orange, NJ and neighboring communities through music lessons, scholarships, and traffic safety education for all.

                  Since the Foundation was established in 2011, Theorem has consistently been an annual sponsor of and team participant in the STOP for Nikhil 5K Run/3K Walk. This event intends to raise traffic safety awareness and to serve as a way to remembervbgfc ≈ and honor those who have been killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents. We recognize the importance of raising awareness and road safety amongst teenagers and parents alike, especially in the local communities of our Chatham, New Jersey office. Learn more about the Nikhil Badlani Foundation at nikhilbadlanifoundation.org

                  Diversity and Inclusion

                  Theorem actively aids in the ongoing fight against systemic racism and discrimination, realizing the importance of ongoing discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion.

                  By contributing to organizations such as Black Girls Code and the Anti-Racism fund, we aim to be a fundamental supporter of diversity in the workplace and beyond. These organizations specifically speak to Theorem’s role as a leading voice in the technology innovation space and we avidly support their missions. The vision of Black Girls Code is to empower girls of color, ages 7-17 to become innovators in STEM fields and encourages them to be the builders of their own futures. The Anti-Racism Fund serves as a response to the inequities experienced by the African-American community. It provides monetary support to a dynamic portfolio of curated organizations as a way to inject and enable social change.

                  Feeding America

                  Feeding America is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. By partnering with local food banks, food pantries and other community food programs, Feeding America looks to advance change across the country and ensure equitable access to nutritious food.

                  As a long-standing contributor and sponsor of Feeding America, we deeply believe in their vision of an America without hunger. The need for and importance of organizations like Feeding America has has become more and more prevalent as communities face more hardships as a result of the pandemic and the current economy. Theorem is dedicated to its continued contributions to Feeding America to do our part to empower and strengthen our communities. Learn more about Feeding America at www.feedingamerica.org

                  Grameen America

                  Grameen America is dedicated to helping entrepreneurial women who live in poverty build businesses to enable financial stability mobility.

                  Since their founding in the United States in 2008, Theorem has supported Grameen America’s mission, which seeks to build upon the legacy of Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Through financial contributions and event participation, Theorem has contributed to Grameen America’s cause. As an immigrant entrepreneur himself, our CEO Jay Kulkarni is especially eager to support the organization’s mission of aiding underserved communities. Learn more about Grameen America at www.grameenamerica.org

                  Vision Spring

                  VisionSpring is making the wonder of clear vision possible for all by helping provide affordable and quality eyeglasses to those in need. For many, lack of access to affordable eyeglasses leads to loss of employment or less educational opportunities.

                  VisionSpring partners with organizations who join them in their mission of supporting livelihood initiatives, enhancing potential for all. Learn more about Vision Spring at https://visionspring.org Theorem has consistently partnered with VisionSpring to organize free events, such as eye check-ups, across multiple villages in the Mysuru, India region, impacting over 3,000 rural residents. We stand with VisionSpring in their mission to increase accessibility to quality eyewear and eye care.

                  Covenant House

                  Covenant House provides housing and supportive services to youth facing homelessness, helping young people transform their lives.

                  For more than 5+ years, Theorem has supported Covenant House with corporate sponsorships, leading career-building workshops at their Newark, NJ shelter facility and participation in the organization’s fund raising Sleep Outs. Covenant House utilizes these Sleep Outs to raise funds and help shine a light on the injustice of youth homelessness, inspiring communities to step up and protect the vulnerable. We are proud to support Covenant House’s programs, which are designed to empower young people to overcome and rise above adversity, today and in the future. Learn more about Covenant House at www.covenanthouse.org

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