The Two-Handed Economist

9: High-Skilled Immigration and the Future of US Competitiveness


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President Trump’s new $100,000 fee on H‑1B visa petitions has catalyzed a fresh debate: will it protect U.S. workers — or hobble innovation? In this episode, John Diamond explores both sides. He digs into how H‑1Bs shape firm behavior, labor markets, and the role of startups versus incumbents. What’s the real cost — and who pays it?

This conversation was recorded on Sept. 24, 2025. 

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The Two-Handed EconomistBy Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy