Many international students are rethinking their education in the United States as the federal government revokes visas, often over minor infractions. A shift away could carry a heavy economic toll, as international students contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy last school year. So what happens when a generation of bright-eyed scholars decide to forgo school in the U.S. and take their dollars elsewhere?
Related episodes: Do immigrants really take jobs and lower wages? (Apple / Spotify) The long view of economics and immigration (Two Indicators) (Apple / Spotify)
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Semifor editor-in-chief and former EIC of Buzzfeed News Ben Smith joins Bad Faith to discuss his recent exposé on the private group chats in which tech billionaires like Marc Andreessen & Mark Cuban build consensus and debate ideas with handpicked "smart" men who are ideologically right-of-center -- all hidden from public eyes and public pushback. In theory, these chats were designed to be 'safe spaces' in which the Richard Hananias, Christopher Rufos, and even Thomas Chatterton Williamses could discuss ideas without censorship on liberal-leaning social media apps. But what purpose do they serve once Williams is booted for ideological consistency on free speech issues and even Hanania is outed for his willingness to question Trump denialism? The conversation broadens to a critique of mainstream media's handling of left politics, and Smith's editorial role as the head of several major media outlets.
The next pope will be chosen through a ritualized process involving secret ballots, smoke signals, and a lock-in at the Sistine Chapel. Nate and Maria talk about how the papal conclave works, and what it has to teach us about group decision-making and the dynamics of secrecy. They also discuss the studio deal for the new movie Sinners, and share their own top negotiating tips. Plus, they play a game of Would You Rather.
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