An OpenAI researcher involved in GPT-4.5 had their green card application denied

OpenAI researcher Kai Chen's green card denied after 12 years in U.S.

: Kai Chen, a Canadian AI researcher at OpenAI, had his green card application denied after living in the U.S. for 12 years, prompting notable concern from colleagues like Noam Brown. Chen's contributions to OpenAI's GPT-4.5 AI model were highlighted as invaluable, with his denial sparking fear of losing AI talent leadership in America. Despite this setback, Chen will continue working remotely from Vancouver. The situation underscores broader challenges facing foreign talent due to stringent U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration.

The case of Kai Chen, a Canadian AI researcher with OpenAI, has drawn considerable attention after his U.S. green card application was denied. Despite contributing significantly to the field, particularly to the development of the GPT-4.5 model, Chen's rejection has raised concerns among his colleagues, including a leading research scientist at OpenAI, Noam Brown. Brown expressed his worry on X, stating that denying such talent threatens America's leadership in artificial intelligence.

Chen, who has lived in the U.S. for 12 years, will be leaving the country shortly but plans to continue working remotely from Vancouver. This incident reflects a broader trend where many international professionals face mounting challenges due to stricter immigration enforcement, particularly under policies from the previous U.S. administration. Dylan Hunn, another OpenAI employee, has described Chen's role as 'crucial' to the organization.

Immigration policies affecting skilled labor have become a critical issue in the tech industry, with companies like OpenAI relying heavily on international talent. Shaun Ralston, supporting OpenAI's API customers, pointed out the company's efforts in sponsoring over 100 visas since 2022, including filing applications for H-1B visas preferred by the tech sector.

Amid these circumstances, Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, has publicly advocated for reforming high-skill immigration policies to facilitate the entry of talented individuals into the U.S. He emphasized the strategic advantage these individuals bring, which is at risk due to restrictive immigration practices. Such policies have not only affected green card applicants but also international students and researchers facing visa status challenges.

The broader implications for the U.S. include potential setbacks in AI advancements and a decline in contributions from foreign-born researchers who have historically driven innovation, as noted by studies from institutions like Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Despite these challenges, OpenAI continues to support its foreign staff, highlighting the need for more conducive immigration laws.

Sources: TechCrunch, X posts, Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology

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