"My question is, if there are enough STEM workers in the US, why wouldn't they take up the jobs, even if the wages are low? Would they prefer unemployment over

"My question is, if there are enough STEM workers in the US, why wouldn't they take up the jobs, even if the wages are low? Would they prefer unemployment over a low paying job?" They do take up the resulting lower paying stem jobs if they can find them. If there isn't enough demand for STEM workers, their wages are depressed. If you make your living doing STEM stuff, this Isn't Good. It's great for employers though. That is why they love the virtual indentured servant system (H1B). Think about it. How would you feel if your wages were lowered because employers colluded to lower them by saying "We don't have enough workers!." - when there were already plenty? They just wanted cheaper workers in order to accrue and even larger portion of the wealth form themselves.