If My Kids Excel, Will They Move Away? By Jeffrey P. Bigham Jeffrey P. Bigham reflects on the phenomenon of "brain drain" in rural America through his personal and professional journey. Background and Personal Story Grew up on a farm near a small town about an hour southeast of Columbus, Ohio. Most of his high school friends (~30%) who attended college now live elsewhere, often in nearby cities like Columbus or Cincinnati. Although he now lives in Pittsburgh, about a 3-hour drive from his hometown, he maintains close ties: his kids visit grandparents often and are known in their local community. Works as a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, home to one of the top computer science schools globally. The U.S. as a Center of Excellence Historically, students excelling in fields like computer science could find the best educational and research centers within the U.S., often near their hometowns. Bigham recruits top talent worldwide, advising PhD students and postdocs from about 10 countries. Many international students choose to stay in the U.S. after graduation due to strong demand from universities and tech companies. Challenges Facing International Students Growing fears among international students about studying and remaining in the U.S., influenced by: Incidents such as students being detained allegedly for expressing political views. Increased immigration enforcement and visa uncertainties. Use of student status as leverage in political attacks on premier universities. These events create lasting anxiety and insecurity about pursuing education or careers in the U.S. Concerns About "Brain Drain" at a National Scale Policies perceived as chaotic or cruel risk deterring top global talent from coming to the U.S. This could cause centers of excellence to relocate internationally, attracted by better environments. As a result, future generations—potentially including Bigham's own children and grandchildren—may feel compelled to move away from the U.S. and their hometown regions. The social and familial implications would be profound, potentially weakening community and family connections. Conclusion Jeffrey P. Bigham highlights that the issue of brain drain is not just a matter of distant policy but something intimate and close to home. Maintaining welcoming policies and support for international students is critical to preserving U.S. leadership in research and the ability of families to stay connected across generations. --- Footnote: Bigham shares a personal note about owning two Harvard t-shirts—the first during his undergrad years at Princeton with a cheeky message, and a more conventional one purchased recently, emphasizing his complex relationship with elite universities.