195: Brain Gain: How Immigration Shapes U.S. Tech Innovation

Sophie Alcorn Podcast

What drives someone to leave their home country and overcome immense challenges to achieve academic and professional success abroad? Join us as we chat with Angel Contreras Cruz.

Angel is from Oaxaca, Mexico. He received his B.S. in Industrial Engineering (2004) and M.S. in Regional Development (2015) from the Oaxaca Institute of Technology. Angel moved to the United States in 2015 and recently obtained his Ph.D. in Engineering Technology Management from Portland State University (06/2024). His doctoral dissertation proposes a hierarchical decision model to evaluate immigration policies for technology professionals.

Explore the potential of a hybrid immigration system that marries point-based and employment-based models, a topic Angel passionately advocates. Discover how such a system could meet both technological and economic demands while staying current with advancements. Angel discusses his ongoing research projects, including a book on immigration and entrepreneurship, and underscores the importance of collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions. We wrap up with valuable resources for those interested in immigration research and advise listeners to stay informed through various platforms, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful relocation journey.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Angel Contreras Cruz's journey from Oaxaca, Mexico, to earning a PhD in Engineering Technology Management at Portland State University.

• The transformative impact of learning English and pursuing higher education in the United States.

• Insights into Angel's research on immigration policy, focusing on social integration and economic contributions of immigrants.

• Policy considerations to enhance diversity, inclusion, and retention of skilled immigrants.

• Exploration of a hybrid immigration system combining point-based and employment-based models.

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Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-contreras-cruz-a94b72109/

Website - https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=UEM-kb4AAAAJ

https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/6627/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.