OpenAI Researcher Kai Chen, Key GPT-4.5 Researcher, Denied U.S. Green Card After 12 Years
Kai Chen, a Canadian AI researcher at OpenAI and a pivotal figure in the development of GPT-4.5, has been denied a U.S. green card after 12 years of living and contributing to the American tech sector. The news was shared publicly by Noam Brown, a prominent OpenAI research scientist, who expressed concern over the decision’s broader implications for U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence.
Brown described Chen as “one of the best AI researchers” he has worked with, emphasizing that the loss of such talent poses a serious risk to America’s dominance in AI. While the denial does not cost Chen her position at OpenAI, it forces her to leave the country temporarily. Brown noted that Chen will continue working remotely from an Airbnb in Vancouver “until [the] mess hopefully gets sorted out.”
Key Contributor to GPT-4.5
Chen’s impact at OpenAI has been significant. She played a crucial role in developing GPT-4.5, one of OpenAI’s most advanced models, which built on previous iterations by delivering superior emotional intelligence, creativity, and factual accuracy. According to fellow OpenAI employee Dylan Hunn, Chen’s contributions were “crucial” to the model’s success.
GPT-4.5 was a landmark release for OpenAI earlier this year, pushing the boundaries of what large language models could achieve. The model answered growing skepticism about the scalability of AI systems, with OpenAI’s leadership calling it a “proof of continued innovation.”
Immigration Obstacles for AI Talent
While green cards can be denied for a range of reasons, the situation reflects a broader systemic issue. OpenAI confirmed that Chen’s green card application had been filed before she joined the company and indicated possible paperwork errors might have contributed to the denial. OpenAI added that they are working closely with Chen to resolve the issue.
This case highlights increasing difficulties for foreign researchers in the U.S., particularly under recent immigration policies. Over the past few months, more than 1,700 international students and researchers have had their visa statuses challenged. Some faced allegations linked to national security concerns, while others were penalized for minor infractions like traffic violations.
Although a recent decision reversed some visa cancellations, the administration has indicated plans for a new, stricter visa review system. These growing barriers come amid widespread reports of longer wait times, heightened scrutiny of applications, and broader skepticism toward foreign-born green card applicants.
AI’s Heavy Reliance on Immigrant Talent
The AI industry heavily relies on international talent. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, 70% of full-time graduate students in AI-related fields in the U.S. are international students. Moreover, 66% of the “most promising” AI startups listed by Forbes in 2019 had immigrant founders.
OpenAI itself has filed over 80 H-1B visa applications in the past year and sponsored more than 100 visas since 2022. H-1B visas, crucial for the tech industry, have also faced tighter scrutiny, with officials now demanding additional personal information during the application process.
Historically, immigrant researchers have driven foundational breakthroughs in AI. Key figures like Ashish Vaswani, co-creator of the transformer model architecture, and Wojciech Zaremba, OpenAI’s co-founder, entered the U.S. through student visas.
Growing Risk of Brain Drain
An increasing number of scientists are considering leaving the U.S. altogether. A Nature survey found that 75% of over 1,600 scientists are contemplating jobs abroad due to the U.S.’s immigration policies, funding cuts, and perceived hostility toward science.
Kai Chen’s case is emblematic of this larger trend. Although she remains committed to OpenAI’s mission, her forced relocation underscores the growing challenge for U.S. institutions seeking to retain top global talent. As competition in artificial intelligence intensifies worldwide, America’s restrictive immigration environment may ultimately erode its technological edge.