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Time Magazine
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time Magazine
History Warns us About the Dangers of Trump's Brain Drain
Since President Donald Trump has taken office, elite Americans and academics are leaving the country. A quarter of those who responded to a recent poll said they would like to move outside the country in the next five years. And European countries are welcoming them. According to data released by the UK Home Office, between March 2024 and March 2025, a record-breaking 6,000 U.S. citizens applied to either become British citizens or to live and work in the country indefinitely. In April, over 300 scientists applied to France's Safe Place for Science Program, which promises 'a safe and stimulating environment for scientists wishing to pursue their research in complete freedom.' Americans are looking to emigrate for the same reasons immigrants have historically chosen to come to the U.S.: political and economic anxiety and instability in their country of origin. The immigration script of the past century has been flipped, and for academics, in particular, the loss of government funding has led them to seek intellectual freedom and the ability to conduct research elsewhere. While the rationale for emigration is clear, the potential consequences of their departure are not. What happens when a critical mass of middle-class, educated professionals leave the country? The exits of prominent people can have unexpected effects on a given country, embarrassing the regimes they've left, adding human capital to the places where they are welcomed. Additionally, when people emigrate, their absence consolidates power around the regimes they left behind. In other words, politics becomes more reflective of the ideologies and values of those who stay. Read More: What's in Canada's Immigration Bill—and Why It's Facing Backlash During South African apartheid, famous musicians such as singer Miriam Makeba were forced into exile as the only way to speak out safely against injustices. Makeba was very vocal in her criticism of the apartheid government at a time when most Black women were silenced by discriminatory laws, including pass laws that restricted movement, and denied the right to own land and even custody of their children. In 1960, she left South Africa and continued to use her voice— both as a musician and activist—to speak on the atrocities in her home country. Her 1963 speech at the United Nations called out global silence on apartheid and encouraged world leaders to act by supporting freedom fighters. In response, the apartheid regime revoked her citizenship and passport. Because Makeba was so beloved for her music and admired for courage, she was granted passports from nine different countries, including Belgium, Ghana, Tanzania, Cuba, Algeria, and Guinea. Among her American peers and friends were the likes of Nina Simone, Marlon Brando, Cicely Tyson, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong. Makeba was only able to return home in 1990, at the invitation of the recently-released Nelson Mandela, perhaps the most famous prisoner of the apartheid regime. Like Makeba, trumpeter Hugh Masekela was also considered persona non grata by the apartheid regime, which viewed artistic expression by Black people as an act of violence. Masekela was forced to leave home after the 1960 Sharpeville massacres that resulted in the deaths of 69 people and deepened political unrest across the country. Makeba and Masekela, briefly married, also collaborated in anti-apartheid music. Their impact on the politics in their homeland, even from abroad, was powerful, despite the regime making it difficult for them to interact with family. Their highly anticipated 1980 joint anti-apartheid concert in Lesotho was cancelled after the apartheid regime in South Africa pressured neighboring Lesotho and Botswana. While their music played an essential role in agitating for freedom, exiled artists faced numerous professional challenges and lost opportunities. Makeba's success in exile came at great cost; two of her children died in exile and she was unable to return home to bury them. South Africa also suffered from the loss of critical voices. Not everyone who went into exile returned home or was able to continue speaking up from abroad. Those who returned sometimes lacked the professional skills needed to build a life for themselves, having spent their prime years fighting for their survival. And in the U.S., they were often similarly restricted, as Jim Crow segregation mirrored many of the injustices that they experienced at home in South Africa. As South Africans were pushed out, apartheid became stronger and more violent to dissenters. Even children who attempted to combat the racist laws were killed or beaten as in the Soweto Youth Uprising of 1976. In the aftermath, songs became inspiration to those in South Africa. In 1977, Makeba and Masekela's joint song 'Soweto Blues' was a widely popular protest song about the massacre and a thorn in the side of the regime. Despite being banned in South Africa, collectively their music served as the soundtrack of the anti-apartheid movement. While pushing out dissenters may allow an oppressive regime to consolidate power or suit a nation's current political climate, it can have a huge cost—as America learned at the height of the Cold War. Consider the case of brilliant Chinese scientist Qian Xuesen in the 1950s. Qian had studied at MIT and CalTech and became a full professor at both universities. He went on to co-found NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 1939, becoming one of the top rocket science experts working for the U.S. government. The U.S. government did not view his Chinese citizenship as a national security threat, because the U.S. and China were allies during World War II. This relationship changed after the war. In 1945, revolutionary leader Mao Zedong declared China a communist country. Chinese nationals living in the U.S. were suddenly seen as state enemies. A new director at JPL, where Qian was now working, reported his concerns that some of the lab members were likely communists. There was fear and suspicion due to the growing Cold War and the rise of McCarthyism. Although there was no evidence of wrongdoing by Qian, he was put under house arrest for five years until his deportation to China in exchange for the repatriation of American pilots captured in the Korean War, in 1955 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration. Qian's politically-motivated exile did little to help America's Cold War, and instead greatly benefitted Communist China. In 1958, he became a member of the Communist Party and revived his career. Prior to his arrival, China did not have a strong rocket science program. Qian became the "Father of Chinese Aerospace and Rocketry." He helped develop the Dongfeng ballistic missile and the Chinese space program. U.S. Secretary of the Navy, Dan A. Kimble called Qian's departure 'the stupidest thing this country ever did. He was no more a communist than I was, and we forced him to go.' Read More: The Brain Drain That Is Killing America's Economy In short, countries push enormous artistic or scientific talent out at their own expense. American brain drain will set the U.S. back decades in innovation and technology, and vanquish America's advantage in education and other major fields. American scientists have been ahead of the rest of the world on healthcare and technological advances like AI. Millions of people have long regarded the United States as a beacon of education and intellectual hope. History shows that an exodus of American academics will likely hasten a collapse of American education, not preserve it. Leaving can also have negative impacts on the quality of democracy in the United States. Citizen engagement across diverse perspectives and ideological lines can lead to a better and more inclusive society, ultimately leading to a stronger democracy. Consider the beloved Statue of Liberty, a cultural landmark, that immigrants were not only welcome, but made up the working fabric of America. Moreover, the exit of American elites and academics, many of whom are voters, can diminish citizen voice and engagement, leading to the decline in the quality of democracy. The historical lesson is a cautionary tale. As academics consider leaving because the current government's policies do not reflect their ideals, the vacuum created by their absence may be filled by people whose values align more with the government. For instance, in the wake of Qian's departure, anticommunist sentiment soared and McCarthyist witch hunts spread. And it took three decades before Mabeka could return to her homeland. Should academics choose to return, they might find America more conservative, and perhaps more flagrantly violent than it was when they left. Indeed, defending democracy is a game best played on home turf. Chipo Dendere is a Political Scientist and Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College. Kellie Carter-Jackson is a Historian and Michael and Denise Kellen '68 Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
7 Years in the USA = Green Card? अमेरिका में नया Immigration Bill कर सकता है 11 Million लोगों को Legalize!
नेहा उपाध्याय Authored by: • नेहा उपाध्याय Contributed by: | Navbharat Times• 26 Jul 2025, 5:30 pm 7 Years in the USA = Green Card? अमेरिका में नया Immigration Bill कर सकता है 11 Million लोगों को Legalize!
Daily Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
UK Moves to Strip Citizenship from Terror Suspects
UK Home Secretary Theresa May introduced a last-minute amendment to the Immigration Bill in Parliament that would allow the government to strip naturalised British citizens of their nationality if they are suspected of being involved in terrorism — even if that leaves them stateless. The amendment targets individuals whose actions are deemed to pose a "serious threat to the UK's vital interests." Under current law, the Home Secretary already has the power to revoke citizenship from dual nationals. However, this new proposal extends that power to those born overseas who hold only British citizenship. The House of Commons passed the amendment with a strong majority — 297 votes in favour and just 34 against — despite growing protests over the treatment of foreign criminals and immigrants, especially from Romania and Bulgaria. According to the Home Office, this measure will not apply to individuals born in the UK and will be implemented in line with Britain's international obligations. The policy has also received backing from the Liberal Democrats, who believe it will affect only a small number of extreme cases. Theresa May's proposal follows a significant Supreme Court ruling last October that overturned the revocation of citizenship from Hilal al-Jedda, an Iraqi-born man suspected of terrorism. The decision left al-Jedda stateless, prompting legal challenges. He is currently living in Turkey as the Home Office appeals the ruling. Immigration Minister Mark Harper defended the proposal, stating, 'Citizenship is a privilege, not a right,' and emphasized that the new powers are necessary to protect public safety. However, human rights groups have raised alarms. Reprieve, a UK-based organisation, called the move "a worrying development," warning it gives the Home Secretary sweeping powers to revoke citizenship without due process. The push for stricter laws comes amid rising concern over European extremists returning from Syria. Intelligence reports suggest that more than 700 fighters — including 250 French, 200 Belgian, and 270 German nationals — have joined conflicts in Syria, with at least 60 killed. European governments fear these trained fighters could bring militant tactics back home, prompting tighter security measures. Parliament also debated two additional proposals yesterday. The first, supported by 70 Conservative MPs, seeks to extend work restrictions on Romanian and Bulgarian nationals until 2018. The second, backed by about 100 MPs and introduced by MP Dominic Raab, aims to prevent foreign criminals sentenced to at least one year in prison from appealing deportation orders. The new measures reflect mounting pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron from within his own party to take a harder stance on immigration and national security.
Globe and Mail
05-06-2025
- General
- Globe and Mail
Ottawa retables ‘Lost Canadians' bill in bid to restore citizenship rights before court deadline
The federal government has reintroduced a bill to grant citizenship to 'Lost Canadians' – children born abroad to foreign-born Canadians – after an attempt by the Liberals to restore their right to hold a passport died before the election. The Liberals introduced a bill in the last Parliament to restore citizenship to 'Lost Canadians.' But it was one of more than 20 bills stopped in their tracks by the proroguing of Parliament ahead of the federal election. The Ontario Superior Court ruled in December 2023 that it is unconstitutional to deny citizenship to children born in another country to Canadians also born outside Canada. The last Liberal government did not appeal the ruling and the court granted the government a series of extensions – until November this year – to make changes to the law. On Thursday, Immigration Minister Lena Diab reintroduced the bill to make changes to the Citizenship Act. Bill C-3 requires Canadian parents born abroad to demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada before they can pass on citizenship to a child born outside Canada. They would need to have a cumulative 1,095 days – the equivalent of three years – spent in Canada before the birth or adoption of the child seeking citizenship. The bill is meant to reverse a change by Stephen Harper's Conservative government in 2009 that stripped children of a Canadian parent born outside Canada of their automatic right to citizenship. The 2009 change was designed to crack down on what Conservatives called 'Canadians of convenience.' It followed an outcry after Canada spent more than $80-million to evacuate 15,000 Canadian citizens from Lebanon in 2006 during the Israel-Hezbollah war. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has estimated that the bill could create around 115,000 new citizens in the next five years. Renée LeBlanc Proctor, spokesperson for the minister, said the restrictions to citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad had led to 'unacceptable consequences for Canadians whose children were born outside the country.' She said legislation would 'ensure the remaining cohort of Lost Canadians are properly recognized as citizens.' Don Chapman, a long-time advocate for restoring citizenship to Lost Canadians, welcomed the early introduction of a bill in the new Parliament. 'People, including children, are being denied their constitutional right of citizenship,' he said. 'Canada is too good of a country to allow its own citizens to be ostracized.' Toronto lawyer Sujit Choudhry, who filed the successful constitutional challenge to the Citizenship Act on behalf of 'Lost Canadian' clients, said the new bill was identical to the last, which he said 'died on the order paper because the government did not make it a legislative priority. 'The government must use every tool at its disposal to ensure that the same fate does not befall Bill C-3, which must be passed and brought into force by November 20, 2025,' he said.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Red state leader calls for states to stand behind Trump's ban on funding illegal immigration
As Democrat states double down on resisting the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, Oklahoma Education Superintendent Ryan Walters is calling on states to stand behind the president and take a proactive role in implementing his executive orders. Walters, a Republican, believes that all state elected officials and agencies, including state education systems, have a role to play in implementing President Donald Trump's agenda. "You've got Democrat governors, you've got Democrat elected officials saying we're going to thwart this in any way we can," he said. "Where are the states that are moving at lightning speed to enact these agenda items?" Last week, he filed an inquiry to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond to clarify how the Oklahoma public education system can implement Trump's executive order ending taxpayer funding for programs that incentivize illegal immigration. Dems Claim Trump Killed Immigration Bill, But His Success On The Border Proves He Had The Right Idea: Expert The order, titled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders," directs the heads of each federal executive department and agency to examine their agencies to "ensure, to the maximum extent permitted by law, that no taxpayer-funded benefits go to unqualified aliens." Read On The Fox News App The purpose of this, according to the order, is to "prevent taxpayer resources from acting as a magnet and fueling illegal immigration to the United States." Drummond responded on Monday by praising Trump and his order while asserting that it does not affect state agencies and that Walters' request is "nothing more than manufactured political drama." He also criticized Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt for what he called his "many failures in dealing with this critical issue here in Oklahoma." Trump Admin Promises To Be 'Ruthlessly Aggressive' In Response To Suspected Cartel Killing Of Us Citizen Stitt, in turn, responded to these criticisms by telling Fox News Digital, "Sadly, once again, we are just getting noise from people campaigning for their next political promotion." Stitt said that "being governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life" and he "will continue to do everything in my power to protect both Oklahomans and the innocent children in our communities." In response, Walters said he was "disappointed but not surprised by AG Drummond's response." "He has a responsibility to offer opinions on all laws, not just the ones he deems worthy," he said. "Once again, he is refusing to support President Trump's executive order on illegal immigration at a time when we all need to move forward with a unified front to protect Oklahoma families." In an interview with Fox News Digital, Walters asserted that though the order only pertains to federal tax dollars, it is also up to state education officials to make sure the funding they receive from the federal government complies with the order. "What we've seen here with this latest executive order is to not allow illegal immigrants to have access to federal funds. Well, in education, there's a lot of different federal funding streams that come into states," he explained. Dem And Gop Governors Urge Trump To 'Let The States Play A Role' In Immigration Decisions Walters said that under the Biden administration, the Oklahoma education system was flooded with illegal immigrant students, which he said caused "chaos" in the schools. He estimates Oklahoma spent a minimum of $474 million on illegal immigrant students, which he said took away resources and opportunities from students who are U.S. citizens. Since Trump retook the White House, Walters has been a vocal advocate for policies he believes will aid the administration in putting an end to the migrant crisis. Click Here For More Immigration Coverage In late January, he announced that Oklahoma public schools would begin tracking students' immigration status and share that information with federal authorities. However, Stitt has opposed this policy, and it is currently under consideration by the state legislature. Walters continued, "We are applying President Trump's executive orders in every way possible, and that means, yes, you've got to know how many illegal immigrants are in your school system, how does this apply to formulas funding streams, how does this apply to grant funding streams, so that you're able to ensure that those executive orders are being followed through on." Trump Reports Illegal Immigrant Encounters At Historic Lows During First Full Month In Office Ultimately, Walters believes "education systems across the country" should be following suit and moving quickly to similarly implement Trump's orders. "Here's the reality that's facing states right now," he said. "Are you going to align with President Trump's illegal immigration agenda, which means you are going to ensure that illegal immigrants are being accounted for and that you are ensuring that every executive order from President Trump is being carried out for illegal immigration, or are you going to support President Biden's illegal immigration view, which is don't ask, don't even acknowledge it?" "There couldn't be a [more] clear mandate from this last election," he went on. "Every state has a decision to make, and they should all be aligning with President Trump."Original article source: Red state leader calls for states to stand behind Trump's ban on funding illegal immigration
