Indian-American Congressperson introduces new bill to keep STEM graduates in US

US Congressperson Shri Thanedar, of Michigan district has introduced the HR 9023 legislation that would allow students to stay in the US after their studies.

The Keep STEM Graduates in America Act proposes changes in the H-1B visa process and raises the number of available visas each year to make staying in the United States more accessible.

The Congressman said they found that foreign students who pursued an education in technology and the sciences have significantly contributed to overall innovation and growth. Thanedar placed heavy emphasis on the visa process for STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) graduates.

He said that the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act will help retain the graduates "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".

Thanedar acknowledged the troubles associated with acquiring the H1-B visa post-graduation.

"Deadlines dictating a student's stay in the country is troublesome, that is precisely why I'm proposing a revision with respect to extensions," he said.

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) welcomed the legislation.

Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/indian-american-congressperson-introduces-new-bill-to-keep-stem-graduates-in-us/articleshow/111753698.cms