July 13, Washington, DC:
Representative Shri Thanedar (D-MI) has introduced HR 9023, a bill that would extend the length of time a student can remain in the United States after finishing their degree. To make it easier for STEM graduates to remain in the US, the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act increases the annual supply of visas and suggests improvements to the H-1B application process.

According to the congressman, research shows that international students majoring in STEM fields have a major impact on the economy as a whole. The immigration process for graduates of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs was a top priority for Thanedar.

To back up the significance of this law, he drew on his own experience. "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," said Thanedar.

"By increasing the number of available H-1B visas and simplifying the process to obtain one, we take an important and concrete step towards a future where those students with the most potential to innovate will innovate in the US," he said, describing the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act as a means to keep STEM graduates in the country. The difficulties of obtaining the H1-B visa after graduation were acknowledged by Thanedar.

"Deadlines dictating a student's stay in the country is troublesome, that is precisely why I'm proposing a revision with respect to extensions," stated the president. The law was greeted with approval by the Foundation for Indian and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS).

"We appreciate @RepShriThanedar for introducing "THE KEEP STEM GRADUATES IN AMERICA ACT" to keep #STEM educated #foreign #indian #gradutes in America #greencardbacklog #h1b #FIIDSUSA @khanderao happy to work on this," FIIDS USA wrote in an X post. "Hey, @lalitkjha, @DcWalaDesi!"

According to Thanedar, every student should be given the time to locate a job and choose a workspace that suits 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," stated the governor.

"We commend Congressman Thanedar for submitting this much-needed bill to retain foreign STEM graduates in the US by providing them an extension in Optional Practical Training," stated Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy and Strategy of FIIDS. Millions of international students and lakhs of Indians will get the benefits of this. This law will provide them additional time to find a job and apply for an H1B visa, giving them a better chance to discover the right opportunity to help the US economy and technology.

Indian-American Representative Unveils Legislation to Retain STEM Graduates in the US