STEM Grad Retention: Indian-American Congressman Unveils Bill to Bolster US Talent

Indian-American Congressman Introduces Bill to Retain STEM Grads in US

Washington, D.C. - In a bid to address the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) has introduced a bill that aims to retain international STEM graduates in the United States.

The "STEM Workforce Enhancement Act of 2023" proposes several key measures to streamline the visa process and make it more attractive for foreign-born STEM professionals to remain in the country.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

* H-1B STEM Extension: Extends the maximum H-1B visa duration for STEM graduates from three years to five years.

* OPT Extension for STEM Graduates: Increases the length of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for STEM graduates from 29 months to 36 months.

* Staple Visa Program: Creates a new "Staple Visa" program that grants permanent residency to STEM graduates who have worked in the US for at least five years.

* Increase in H-1B Visa Cap: Raises the annual H-1B visa cap by 20,000 to 100,000.

* Priority Processing for STEM Petitions: Gives priority processing to visa petitions related to STEM occupations.

Rationale for the Bill:

Congressman Khanna emphasized the importance of STEM professionals in driving innovation and economic growth in the United States. He noted that the current visa system for STEM graduates is restrictive and poses challenges to their ability to build careers in the country.

"The United States has always been a beacon of hope for the world's brightest minds," said Khanna in a statement. "This bill will ensure that we continue to attract and retain the best and brightest STEM graduates from around the globe."

Support for the Bill:

The bill has garnered support from a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, tech companies, and immigration advocates.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), a leading tech policy think tank, praised the bill as a "smart and sensible solution" to the STEM worker shortage.

"The STEM Workforce Enhancement Act would help the United States retain talented STEM graduates who are essential to our economic competitiveness," said Robbie Soave, a senior policy analyst at ITIF.

Impact of the Bill:

If passed, the STEM Workforce Enhancement Act is expected to have a significant impact on the US economy. It is estimated to create up to 100,000 new STEM jobs and boost GDP by billions of dollars in the coming years.

Moreover, the bill would foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment for international STEM graduates, encouraging them to establish roots in the United States and contribute their skills to the country's technological advancement.

Outlook:

The STEM Workforce Enhancement Act is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee. While the bill faces opposition from some quarters, it is widely viewed as a positive step towards addressing the urgent need for STEM talent in the United States.

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