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Dr. Byeongdon Oh, Assistant Professor of Sociology—Social Justice & Change and Founding Director of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Research Center at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, has published a study exploring how immigration intersects with race and gender diversity in the U.S. STEM workforce. The article, titled "STEM Immigration and U.S. STEM Workforce Development at the Intersections of Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Immigration Status," is in the journal Socius: Sociological Research for a Dynamic World.

In this study, Dr. Oh introduces the concept of STEM immigration, which refers to the increasing influx of foreign-born individuals entering the United States to pursue STEM degrees or careers. Facilitated by policies like Optional Practical Training (OPT), H-1B visas, and pathways to permanent residency, STEM immigration has become a significant driver of U.S. workforce development.

His analysis—based on a nationally representative dataset—reveals that immigrant men and women from non-White racial and ethnic backgrounds are as likely or more likely than their U.S.-born white counterparts to hold STEM degrees. However, disparities by race and gender are more pronounced among immigrants, especially among the 1.25th generation, referring to those who complete their K–12 education abroad before entering higher education in the U.S.

The findings underscore the limitations of social interventions that have focused narrowly on U.S.-born individuals in efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.

Looking ahead, Dr. Oh plans to expand this research by analyzing nationally representative statistical data and conducting in-depth interviews with STEM workers at SUNY Poly and other institutions. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced barriers and experiences within STEM immigration and its impact on U.S. STEM workforce development.