Or, we could have just made it easier for skilled workers from other countries to immigrate to the United States. 30 years ago (or even 5 years ago) I'm sure most of them would have happily immigrated to the US for a higher standard of living and better wages, and both they and the United States would be in a stronger position.

IMO if a foreign adversary spends 20+ years and tens of thousands of dollars (at a minimum) training a highly skilled worker we would be insane not to take that skilled worker for free, if they want to move and work here.