H-1B visa reforms for students to stay in US after studies proposed by Congressman
The Keep STEM Graduates in American Act proposes changes to the H-1B visa process and an increase in the number of available visas annually.
America remains the most popular country for international students to pursue education. After their studies, most students want to work for American Corporations and settle in the US with a permanent residency.
Congressman Thanedar, representing Michigan’s 13th Congressional District has introduced the ‘Keep STEM Graduates in America Act’, a crucial piece of legislation encouraging promising young students to stay in the US after their studies. STEM refers to four courses as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and are the most popular among international students studying in US universities.
Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar proposes the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act, aiming to streamline the visa process for STEM graduates in the US. The Keep STEM Graduates in America Act aims to boost H1B visa issuances and simplify the application process for international STEM graduates in the US.
After completing studies, US offers employment opportunities to graduates through Optional practical training (OPT), a temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies or after completing their academic studies. If eligible, F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).
The Keep STEM Graduates in American Act proposes reforms to the H-1B visa process and raises the number of available visas each year to make staying in the United States more accessible for individuals capable of contributing to our industry and economy.
The H-1B program allows companies and other employers in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent.
H-1B specialty occupations may include fields such as architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts.
The Congress found that foreign students pursuing an education in technology and the sciences have significantly contributed to overall innovation and growth in America. Congressman Thanedar, in his legislation, has placed heavy emphasis on the visa process for STEM graduates, thus placing hardworking, merited students at the forefront of his efforts.
Congressman Thanedar used his personal experience to affirm the importance of this legislation: “As an immigrant whose educational opportunities in the US shaped all the subsequent opportunities I received, I understand the importance of keeping our most gifted students in the country.”
Representative Thanedar explained how the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act does that, saying, “by expanding the availability of H-1B visas and making the process to obtain one more simple, we take an important and tangible step towards a future where those students with the most potential to innovate will innovate in the US.”
Congressman Thanedar acknowledges the worries and troubles associated with acquiring an H1-B visa post-graduation with tight, strict deadlines in place. “Deadlines dictating a student’s stay in the country is troublesome,” said Congressman Thanedar. “That is precisely why I’m proposing a revision concerning extensions.”
The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies voiced support for the legislation: “We thank Congressman Thanedar for introducing this very important bill to retain US-trained STEM graduates. About 300,000 Indian students and millions of foreign students will benefit from this bill. It’s a crucial bill as in the tough job market, they need more time to find appropriate opportunities to contribute to the US economy.”
Congressman Thanedar believes every student deserves considerable time to find employment and determine which workspace works best for them. “This bill is just one of many that I support because they bring us closer to a more equitable world while creating a more robust economy to the benefit of Americans and Michiganders.”
By: Sunil Dhawan
Source: Financial Express