The American Midwest is facing an existential threat—not from outside forces, but from within. Population decline, aging communities, and shrinking tax bases are creating what researcher Dr. Jonathan Burkham calls a "demographic winter." But there's a solution hiding in plain sight: immigration.

In this episode, Lauren Clarke sits down with Dr. Burkham, author of the new book “Migrant Midwest: The Case for Immigration and Economic Growth in the American Heartland,” to explore how the region that once defined American industry and culture has become the least foreign-born area of the country. The conversation traces the Midwest's transformation from an immigration magnet—where 87% of Milwaukee's population at the turn of the 20th century were immigrants or their children—to today's demographic crisis.

Dr. Burkham presents a data-driven case for place-based immigration policy modeled after Canada's Provincial Nominee Program, allowing Midwest states to sponsor immigrants based on local economic needs in manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond. The discussion tackles political rhetoric versus economic reality, immigrant retention, and the fundamental choice facing America: continue growing as a global power, or manage decline like Japan. With evidence showing immigrants are net contributors who assimilate across generations, this conversation reframes immigration as the Midwest's lifeline.

HOST: LAUREN CLARKE

GUEST: Dr. Jonathan Burkham, Associate Professor of Human Geography, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Author of Migrant Midwest: The Case for Immigration and Economic Growth in the American Heartland

NEWS NERD: ROB TAYLOR

PRODUCER: ADAM BELMAR

Resource Links:

Migrant Midwest

The Case for Immigration and Economic Growth in the American Heartland

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/migrant-midwest-9798216276098/

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Immigration Nerds explores the hidden immigration stories behind Team USA's more than 230 athletes heading to Italy. Immigration researcher Marissa Kiss from George Mason University reveals that nearly 17% of Team USA has direct immigrant ties—including foreign-born athletes from five countries and second-generation immigrants whose parents came from around the world. The conversation between host Lauren Clarke and Marissa covers athletes competing despite citizenship delays, the "reverse flow" of US-born athletes representing other countries, and how immigration policy has become a competitive tool in international sports. Plus, the latest news, including updates on FIFA World Cup visa processing, Texas's H-1B hiring pause for state agencies, and the latest on immigrant visa suspensions.

Resource Links: George Mason University Institute for Immigration Research

HOST: Lauren Clarke

GUEST: Marissa Kiss, Assistant Director, Immigration, Race, and Sports, George Mason University's Institute for Immigration Research

NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

The H-1B program just underwent its most significant structural change in decades. On December 29, 2025, DHS issued a final rule replacing the random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system—and it takes effect February 27, just before the fiscal year 2027 cap registration season opens in March.

Immigration Nerds host Lauren Clarke sits down with EIG's newest partner Naïanka Rigaud to break down exactly how this weighted system works. They explore the complex legal analysis behind wage level determinations, what the 48% decrease in selection probability means for Level 1 registrants versus the 107% increase for Level 4 candidates, and why simply earning a high salary doesn't guarantee a higher wage level classification.

From geographic wage disparities to potential compliance pitfalls, Lauren and Naïanka cover what employers and foreign workers need to understand right now—including the possibility that registration infrastructure might not be ready, potentially reverting to full petition submissions. This is essential listening for anyone navigating H-1B cap season 2027.

GUEST: Naïanka Rigaud, EIG Partner

HOST: Lauren Clarke

NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar