The United States has been well represented at this year’s Nobel Prize announcements. In fact, the United States won the first six Nobel Prizes awarded (not to mention President Obama’s award). The United States should be proud of its citizens’ accomplishments and the U.S. institutions and communities that made it possible for these Americans to win.
However, the United States must recognize what could have been. You see, four of those Americans made the decision many years ago that they wanted to become Americans. Four of the recipients are naturalized Americans who first came to the United States as young immigrants seeking a better life and career in the United States.
Today, if the United States does not open its doors to the young, bright minds of the world – in twenty years time the United States should expect that most of the Nobel Prizes will be going to individuals who are citizens of other countries.