Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** The Keep STEM Talent Act would make it easier for foreign students and professionals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to become permanent U.S. residents. Currently, there are strict annual limits on how many people from other countries can immigrate to the U.S. This bill would exempt certain STEM degree holders from those caps. To qualify, individuals would need to have earned a master's degree or higher in a STEM field from a U.S.
university, have a job offer in their field that pays above the median wage for that occupation, and meet labor certification requirements. The bill also removes a current rule that can prevent student visa holders from pursuing permanent residency. **Who It Affects & Current Status** This bill primarily affects foreign-born STEM professionals and graduate students who want to work and live permanently in the United States. It could help U.S. employers in tech, engineering, and scientific fields fill specialized positions. The bill was introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025This bill addresses issues relating to non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) with advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, including exempting certain such individuals from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year.To be exempt from the annual numerical limitations on immigrant visas, the individual must (1) have earned a master's level or higher degree in certain STEM fields while in the United States attending an accredited higher education institution, (2) be employed (or have an offer) to perform work directly related to the degree and earn higher than the median wage for that occupation, and (3) meet certain labor certification requirements.The bill also allows an individual seeking a nonimmigrant F-1 (student) visa for an advanced STEM degree to obtain the nonimmigrant visa even if the individual seeks lawful permanent resident status. (Generally, an individual may be denied a nonimmigrant visa if the individual actually intends to seek immigrant status, unless dual intent is allowed for that visa.)Under this bill, to be approved for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree, the applicant must apply for the visa before beginning the advanced degree program.The bill also requires an individual who is inside the United States and applying for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree to undergo the same vetting (e.g., verifying academic credentials and undergoing background checks) as an individual applying from outside the United States.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2095-2096)