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Packers CB Jaire Alexander reveals what type of knee injury he had and what it means for his season
Social media has dramatically reshaped the beauty industry, particularly in 2024, with platforms like Instagram and YouTube serving as key drivers of beauty trends, consumer behavior, and brand marketing strategies. From influencer partnerships and live streaming events to the rise of virtual beauty consultations, social media’s influence is undeniable. The industry has adapted to these changes, capitalizing on the interactive nature of these platforms to engage directly with their audience and foster a more inclusive and personalized approach to beauty. New era of beauty communication In recent years, social media has emerged as an essential communication tool in the beauty industry. It is no longer just a platform for sharing advertisements or celebrity endorsements; it has become an interactive space where consumers can engage with brands, share their experiences, and receive real-time feedback. As Niharika Jhunjhunwala, Founder and CEO of ClayCo, points out, “The young audience, which makes up the largest market share of the beauty industry today, spends most of their time on various social media platforms. As a result, social media has become an essential channel for communication within the beauty industry.” The ability to directly communicate with consumers without geographical or time zone limitations has allowed brands to build stronger connections with their audiences. Skincare, in particular, has benefitted from this shift. Through social media, skincare routines, ingredient benefits, and product usage tips are shared more effectively than ever before. Social platforms like Instagram and YouTube are filled with content from dermatologists, beauty influencers, and real users sharing their skincare journeys. This democratization of beauty knowledge has made skincare more accessible and personalized, enabling consumers to find solutions that work for their individual needs. Social commerce: A game changer for beauty brands Social commerce has become one of the most significant trends in 2024, as it merges shopping with social media interaction. Brands are using social media platforms not just to promote products but to sell them directly. Riya Pant, Founder of Blur India, emphasizes how social media has revolutionized the shopping experience, saying, “Social media has taken the traditional shopping experience and made it better, faster, and way more engaging. Think about it—you’re scrolling through your feed, and suddenly there’s a live stream from your favorite beauty brand or influencer. In that moment, you’re not just watching; you’re part of an interactive session where you can see the product in action, ask questions, and even get tips tailored to your concerns.” This direct, engaging method of shopping has turned social media into a virtual storefront, where consumers can make purchases in real time, compare prices, and get answers to their questions immediately. The shift to social commerce is not just about product visibility but also about building trust. Consumers are more likely to make a purchase when they can see real people using the products and sharing their experiences. The power of influencer marketing plays a major role in this dynamic. Influencers have built large, engaged audiences, and their recommendations often carry more weight than traditional celebrity endorsements. This has led to a shift in how beauty brands approach marketing—moving away from glossy advertisements to more authentic, relatable content that feels personal and trustworthy. Building communities and driving advocacy For beauty brands, social media has become a platform for community building and brand advocacy. Natasha Tuli, Co-founder & CEO of Soulflower, describes how social media has enabled the brand to grow and connect with like-minded individuals: “For a modest, home-grown brand like ours, social media has helped immensely in amplifying our voice and spreading to millions across not just India but the world. In a way, it has solidified our vision and aim of being someone who speaks for the voiceless, whether it's cats or dogs or your hair and skin.” Brands that embrace authenticity and ethics can leverage social media to foster communities centered around shared values. Soulflower, for instance, has used platforms like Instagram and Facebook to not only promote its natural products but also to raise awareness about ethical issues in the beauty industry, such as adulterated products and sustainable beauty practices. This shift towards community engagement on social media has also brought about a focus on inclusivity. Beauty brands are increasingly embracing diverse skin tones, types, and concerns. The real beauty conversations happening online have led to a more inclusive representation of beauty, with consumers seeking products that meet their specific needs, whether it be for darker skin tones, sensitive skin, or ethical considerations. The rise of user-generated content (UGC) on platforms like Instagram has further supported this trend, as real consumers share their results and experiences, which in turn influences the purchasing decisions of their followers. Influencer marketing and trend amplification Influencer marketing continues to be a driving force behind beauty trends. Influencers—ranging from makeup artists and beauty bloggers to skincare enthusiasts—hold significant sway in shaping consumer preferences. Sarah Sarosh , a beauty content creator, highlights the power of real-person try-ons, stating, “People no longer just want celebrity advertisements; they also want reviews from real people. That’s exactly what social media provides to consumers: real-person try-ons, wear tests, trends, and everything in between, all demonstrated on different skin tones.” Social media has allowed beauty influencers to showcase products on various skin tones, encouraging inclusivity and authenticity in a way that traditional media never could. As Sarosh notes, trends spread quickly on social media. One example of this is the rise of the “blush blindness” trend, where the use of blush has become increasingly popular. “There was once a time when we hated having any color on our cheeks,” Sarosh explains, “but now, girls are completely obsessed with blush, and ‘blush blindness’ has gone viral.” Trends like these demonstrate how social media can amplify niche interests and create viral sensations that impact product development. Brands are quick to pick up on these trends, launching new products to meet the growing demand. In 2024, social media has become the primary channel for beauty trend amplification, allowing trends to emerge, evolve, and spread faster than ever. The role of AI and technology in beauty marketing In addition to influencers and user-generated content, technology—especially artificial intelligence (AI)—is playing an increasingly important role in the beauty industry’s digital transformation. Dr. Sagar Gujjar , MD Dermatologist and Founder of Skinwood, explains that social media has become a virtual classroom where skincare routines and ingredients are explained in detail. “Social media platforms are no longer just communication channels but have become virtual classrooms where dermatologists and AI-powered diagnostics explain ingredients and educate consumers about the benefits of minimalist, results-oriented routines,” he says. AI has also revolutionized the beauty industry by allowing brands to offer personalized skincare recommendations based on consumers’ unique needs. Tools like virtual try-ons, where consumers can see how makeup or skincare products would look on their skin, have become increasingly popular. These AI-powered tools are not only enhancing the shopping experience but also enabling consumers to make more informed decisions about the products they purchase. How 2024 beauty trends celebrated diversity and inclusivity The rise of personalized skincare for brides and grooms Additionally, AI tools can help brands track trends, analyze consumer behavior, and optimize marketing strategies in real-time. This data-driven approach allows beauty brands to tailor their content and offerings to meet the evolving needs of their audience, creating more personalized experiences for consumers. The mental health and wellness connection The relationship between beauty and mental health has also been amplified through social media. Platforms like Instagram have become spaces where conversations around self-care, wellness, and mental health are front and center. Many beauty brands are aligning themselves with these movements, promoting the philosophy that beauty should be about feeling good as much as looking good. Social Media Addiction Costs Mumbai Influencer: Aanvi Kamdar Falls To Death At Kumbhe Waterfall Malvika Jain, Founder of SEREKO, notes that social media has played a significant role in spreading awareness about holistic wellness and mental health. “Social media has also played a significant role in spreading awareness about mental health, encouraging conversations around holistic wellness & self-care,” she says. This shift in focus has helped create a more positive and inclusive narrative around beauty, one that values mental well-being as much as physical appearance. As mental health continues to be a major conversation in the beauty industry, brands are increasingly using social media to promote messages of self-love, body positivity, and mental wellness. These conversations have not only shaped how beauty is defined but have also led to a more responsible approach to marketing, with brands being held accountable for the way they represent beauty standards. The road ahead: Sustainability and inclusivity One of the most significant trends in the beauty industry in 2024 is a growing focus on sustainability and ethical practices. Social media has given consumers a platform to voice their concerns about environmental issues, and beauty brands have responded by incorporating more sustainable practices into their production processes. From cruelty-free products to eco-friendly packaging, the demand for sustainable beauty is stronger than ever. Shriram Balasubramanian , Director at Zuventus Healthcare Ltd, notes that social media has driven a shift towards sustainability in the beauty industry. “Social media platforms have evolved to become virtual storefronts for building brand reputation. The content creators in this space have amplified audience reach and engagements offering relatable, diverse perspectives, driving consumer purchase decisions that are informed.” The transparency afforded by social media has forced brands to be more accountable for their sustainability practices, and this trend is only expected to grow in the coming years. The influence of social media on the beauty industry in 2024 is undeniable. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have become essential tools for beauty brands, allowing them to connect with consumers in new and innovative ways. From influencer marketing and live shopping events to AI-powered skincare consultations and sustainability-focused campaigns, social media has completely transformed how beauty products are marketed and consumed. As the industry continues to evolve, social media will remain a powerful engine for trend amplification, community engagement, and authentic brand-building. The future of beauty is digital, interactive, and driven by the collective power of consumers and content creators alike.Drying clothes inside could be harming your health - here's how to fix it for just €1.50Key player Vikings WR Jordan Addison Asked how he would defending himself, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said: “It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off.” Well, the Chicago Bears let Jordan Addison go off. Addison had a career-high 162 yards receiving on eight catches, including a 69-yard catch and run to open the second half. His most important grab might have been the last one, when he connected with Sam Darnold on a 12-yard reception on third and 10 from the Vikings 21-yard line to move the chains as the overtime entered sudden death. (Honorable mention here to tight end T.J. Hockenson , who took over in OT and capped 114-yard day with three catches for 58 yards in the extra period.) Key play 11 points in 29 seconds After the Vikings kicked a field goal to go up 27-16 just after the two-minute warning, the Bears, with no timeouts, came all the way back. DeAndre Carter’s 55-yard kickoff return certainly helped. But starting when there were 29 seconds on the clock, Caleb Williams hit Keenan Allen on a 1-yard TD pass and connected with D.J. Moore on a two-point conversion. Then the Bears recovered an onside kick after it bounced off Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt ’s foot. Williams hit Moore for 27 yards on the next play. After the Bears clocked it, Cairo Santos kicked a 48-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. Sign up for the Access Vikings newsletter Key number 6 Entering Sunday’s games, only the Dallas Cowboys (three) had fewer rushing touchdowns than the Vikings ’ five. The team’s struggles running the ball in the red zone, in particular, are acute, and Aaron Jones ’ fumble at the 1 in the first quarter didn’t help that perception. Jones punched in the Vikings’ sixth rushing TD of the season late in the third quarter to give them a 14-point lead. He had 22 carries for 106 yards, his second 100-yard game with the Vikings. But Minnesota was only 3-for-7 in the red zone (though on the last trip inside the 20, the Vikings intentionally set up Parker Romo ’s game-winning field goal) and has scored only 21 TDs in 39 red-zone drives (53.8%). Up next Vs. Arizona, noon Sunday After a three-game road trip, the Vikings return to U.S. Bank Stadium, where they will play three of their four December games. The Cardinals entered a key NFC West matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon in first place in the division. 2024 schedule and results Sept. 8: W, 28-6 vs. N.Y. Giants Sept. 15: W, 23-17 vs. San Francisco Sept. 22: W, 34-7 vs. Houston Sept. 29: W, 31-29 at Green Bay Oct. 6: W, 23-17 vs. N.Y. Jets in London Oct. 13: Bye Oct. 20: L, 31-29 vs. Detroit Oct. 24: L, 30-20 at L.A. Rams Nov. 3: W, 21-13 vs. Indianapolis Nov. 10: W, 12-7 at Jacksonville Nov. 17: W, 23-13 at Tennessee Nov. 24: W, 30-27 OT at Chicago Dec. 1: vs. Arizona Dec. 8: vs. Atlanta Dec. 16: vs. Chicago Dec. 22: at Seattle Dec. 29: vs. Green Bay Jan. 4 or 5: at Detroit Got a question about the Vikings? Email it to accessvikings@startribune.com . We’ll answer your questions in an upcoming Access Vikings newsletter or podcast.
Abortion has become slightly more common despite bans or deep restrictions in most Republican-controlled states, and the legal and political fights over its future are not over yet. It's now been two and a half years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and opened the door for states to implement bans. The policies and their impact have been in flux ever since the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Here's a look at data on where things stand: Overturning Roe and enforcing abortion bans has changed how woman obtain abortions in the U.S. But one thing it hasn't done is put a dent in the number of abortions being obtained. There have been slightly more monthly abortions across the country recently than there were in the months leading up to the June 2022 ruling, even as the number in states with bans dropped to near zero. “Abortion bans don’t actually prevent abortions from happening,” said Ushma Upadhyay, a public health social scientist at the University of California San Francisco. But, she said, they do change care. For women in some states, there are major obstacles to getting abortions — and advocates say that low-income, minority and immigrant women are least likely to be able to get them when they want. For those living in states with bans, the ways to access abortion are through travel or abortion pills. As the bans swept in, abortion pills became a bigger part of the equation. They were involved in about half the abortions before Dobbs. More recently, it’s been closer to two-thirds of them, according to research by the Guttmacher Institute. The uptick of that kind of abortion, usually involving a combination of two drugs, was underway before the ruling. But now, it's become more common for pill prescriptions to be made by telehealth. By the summer of 2024, about 1 in 10 abortions was via pills prescribed via telehealth to patients in states where abortion is banned. As a result, the pills are now at the center of battles over abortion access. This month, Texas sued a New York doctor for prescribing pills to a Texas woman via telemedicine. There's also an effort by Idaho, Kansas and Missouri to roll back their federal approvals and treat them as “controlled dangerous substances,” and a push for the federal government to start enforcing a 19th-century federal law to ban mailing them. Clinics have closed or halted abortions in states with bans. But a network of efforts to get women seeking abortions to places where they're legal has strengthened and travel for abortion is now common. The Guttmacher Institute found that more than twice as many Texas residents obtained abortion in 2023 in New Mexico as New Mexico residents did. And as many Texans received them in Kansas as Kansans. Abortion funds, which benefitted from “rage giving” in 2022, have helped pay the costs for many abortion-seekers. But some funds have had to cap how much they can give . Since the downfall of Roe, the actions of lawmakers and courts have kept shifting where abortion is legal and under what conditions. Here's where it stands now: Florida, the nation’s third most-populous state, began enforcing a ban on abortions after the first six weeks of pregnancy on May 1. That immediately changed the state from one that was a refuge for other Southerners seeking abortion to an exporter of people looking for them. There were about 30% fewer abortions there in May compared with the average for the first three months of the year. And in June, there were 35% fewer. While the ban is not unique, the impact is especially large. The average driving time from Florida to a facility in North Carolina where abortion is available for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is more than nine hours, according to data maintained by Caitlin Myers, a Middlebury College economics professor. The bans have meant clinics closed or stopped offering abortions in some states. But some states where abortion remains legal until viability – generally considered to be sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy , though there’s no fixed time for it – have seen clinics open and expand . Illinois, Kansas and New Mexico are among the states with new clinics. There were 799 publicly identifiable abortion providers in the U.S. in May 2022, the month before the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade. And by this November, it was 792, according to a tally by Myers, who is collecting data on abortion providers. But Myers says some hospitals that always provided some abortions have begun advertising it. So they’re now in the count of clinics – even though they might provide few of them. How hospitals handle pregnancy complications , especially those that threaten the lives of the women, has emerged as a major issue since Roe was overturned. President Joe Biden's administration says hospitals must offer abortions when they're needed to prevent organ loss, hemorrhage or deadly infections, even in states with bans. Texas is challenging the administration’s policy and the U.S. Supreme Court this year declined to take it up after the Biden administration sued Idaho. More than 100 pregnant women seeking help in emergency rooms and were turned away or left unstable since 2022, The Associated Press found in an analysis of federal hospital investigative records. Among the complaints were a woman who miscarried in the lobby restroom of Texas emergency room after staff refused to see her and a woman who gave birth in a car after a North Carolina hospital couldn't offer an ultrasound. The baby later died. “It is increasingly less safe to be pregnant and seeking emergency care in an emergency department,” Dara Kass, an emergency medicine doctor and former U.S. Health and Human Services official told the AP earlier this year. Since Roe was overturned, there have been 18 reproductive rights-related statewide ballot questions. Abortion rights advocates have prevailed on 14 of them and lost on four. In the 2024 election , they amended the constitutions in five states to add the right to abortion. Such measures failed in three states: In Florida, where it required 60% support; in Nebraska, which had competing abortion ballot measures; and in South Dakota, where most national abortion rights groups did support the measure. AP VoteCast data found that more than three-fifths of voters in 2024 supported abortion being legal in all or most cases – a slight uptick from 2020. The support came even as voters supported Republicans to control the White House and both houses of Congress. Associated Press writers Linley Sanders, Amanda Seitz and Laura Ungar contributed to this article.
Jamison Buys Houses Revolutionizes Home Selling with Personalized Solutions and Guaranteed Results 12-27-2024 11:40 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Brand Featured Grand Rapids, MI - December 27, 2024 - Jamison Buys Houses, a leader in innovative real estate solutions, is transforming the home-selling experience in West Michigan. By offering flexible, tailored options that go beyond traditional Realtors and iBuyers, the company is setting a new standard for stress-free, efficient home sales. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/4e14e7ae5f73363042a3b2834bafa147.jpg At the heart of Jamison Buys Houses' approach is a commitment to meeting homeowners' unique needs. The company combines the convenience of cash offers with comprehensive services such as repair coordination, moving expense coverage, and mortgage or rent payment assistance. These custom solutions alleviate the common challenges of selling a home, such as financial uncertainty and logistical hurdles. A cornerstone of this innovative approach is the 3G Closing Guarantee. Homeowners are assured their sale will close on time, or they will receive $3,000 - providing unparalleled reliability in an often-unpredictable process. "Homeowners deserve a selling experience that prioritizes their needs and provides peace of mind," said Jamison Worst, Founder of Jamison Buys Houses. "We're proud to offer solutions that address pain points like financial strain, tight timelines, and the stress of preparing a home for sale." The Numbers Don't Lie A recent survey highlights the significant impact of traditional home-selling methods: * 62% of homeowners reported that selling their homes negatively affected their mental health. * 76% spent more money preparing their home for sale than expected. * 52% said they would accept less for their homes to avoid the stress of showings and open houses. Jamison Buys Houses offers a game-changing alternative, making the process seamless, fast, and worry-free. Ready to sell your home for cash the easy way? Visit JamisonBuys.com [ https://jamisonbuys.com/ ] to receive a free, no-obligation cash offer today. Whether you are looking for a quick sale, help with repairs or assistance with moving expenses, Jamison Buys Houses provides customized solutions tailored to your situation. About Jamison Buys Houses Jamison Buys Houses is a trusted real estate solutions provider based in Grand Rapids, MI. Specializing in personalized home-selling services, the company combines cash offers, repair coordination, and moving support with a commitment to customer satisfaction. With its innovative 3G Closing Guarantee, Jamison Buys Houses is redefining what it means to sell your home. Media Contact Company Name: Jamison Buys Houses Contact Person: Jamison Worst Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=jamison-buys-houses-revolutionizes-home-selling-with-personalized-solutions-and-guaranteed-results ] Country: United States Website: https://jamisonbuys.com/ This release was published on openPR.
Israel ‘risks reviving Hamas’ by exchanging terrorists like my father for hostages
Alex Ovechkin has a broken left fibula and is expected to be out four to six weeks, an injury that pauses the Washington Capitals superstar captain’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record. The Capitals updated Ovechkin’s status Thursday after he was evaluated by team doctors upon returning from a three-game trip. The 39-year-old broke the leg in a shin-on-shin collision Monday night with Utah’s Jack McBain, and some of his closest teammates knew it was not good news even before Ovechkin was listed as week to week and placed on injured reserve. “Everyone’s bummed out,” said winger Tom Wilson, who has played with Ovechkin since 2013. “We were sitting there saying: ‘This is weird. Like, it’s unbelievable that he’s actually hurt.’ It’s one of those things where like, he’s going to miss games? I’ve been around a long time, and it’s new to me.” Ovechkin in his first 19 seasons missed 59 games — and just 35 because of injury. Durability even while throwing his body around with his physical style is a big reason he is on track to pass Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals that once looked unapproachable. “He doesn’t go out there and just coast around,” Wilson said. “He’s played 20 years every shift running over guys and skating. He’s a power forward, the best goal-scorer ever maybe, and he’s a power forward that plays the game really hard.” Ovechkin surged to the top of the league with 15 goals in his first 18 games this season. He was on pace to break the record and score No. 895 sometime in February. “You know when goal-scorers start scoring, it’s dangerous,” said defenceman John Carlson, who has been teammates with Ovechkin since 2009-10. “There was a bit of that in the downs that everyone was feeling about it too, of course. We see him coming to the rink every day, we know what’s at stake. You never want anyone to get injured, but there’s a lot to it and certainly he was playing his best hockey in years.”South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa has dispatched his top envoy, Sydney Mufamadi, to Mozambique as the country grapples with violent protests following contentious election results. The unrest erupted after Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling FRELIMO party’s victory in the October elections despite acknowledging significant electoral irregularities. The ruling revised FRELIMO candidate Daniel Chapo’s victory margin from 71% to 65%, while opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane’s share rose to 24% from 20%. Mondlane denounced the decision as legitimizing election fraud, rejected the results, and called for mass protests, sparking chaos across the country. Since October 21, over 100 deaths have been reported as demonstrations escalated in Maputo and other regions. Protesters have clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, while fires, barricades, and destruction have brought parts of the capital to a standstill. Adding to the turmoil, Mondlane has gone into exile, citing threats to his life following the murders of two close aides. From abroad, he has rallied his supporters to initiate a national shutdown, intensifying tensions. Mufamadi’s visit to Maputo underscores South Africa’s commitment to fostering stability in Mozambique. Although details of his meetings remain undisclosed, the envoy reiterated South Africa’s readiness to support Mozambique during this challenging time. The intervention comes as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) also signals its willingness to mediate. Calls for regional assistance have mounted amid fears that the crisis could destabilize neighbouring countries. Mozambique’s post-election unrest highlights the fragility of its political landscape, with the ruling party accused of clinging to power at the expense of democratic processes. As protests continue, all eyes are on regional powers like South Africa to broker peace and prevent further bloodshed.Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Economists Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Executives Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020
