Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a new green-card pathway for U.S.-trained advanced STEM degree holders. It would also tighten visa vetting and admissions procedures for foreign students seeking graduate STEM degrees to prioritize security and credential checks while aiming for timely processing.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New green card route for STEM graduates
If enacted, the bill would create a new green card category for some STEM master's and higher graduates. You would qualify if you earned a qualifying U.S. master's-or-higher STEM degree while physically present in the United States from a school accredited by a Department of Education–recognized accreditor. You could also qualify if you have a related U.S. job that pays above the area's median wage as set by the Secretary of Labor, or if you have an approved labor certification under INA section 212(a)(5)(A)(i). Spouses and children who accompany or follow to join the principal would be eligible as derivatives. The bill would exempt these eligible people from direct numerical immigrant limits and would let petitions be filed under existing petition rules with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Pre-admission vetting for STEM graduate students
If enacted, the bill would require students who plan to start a U.S. master's-or-higher degree in covered STEM fields to apply for admission before beginning their program. Homeland Security and State would have to verify academic credentials, run comprehensive background checks, and conduct interviews comparable to overseas applicants. The agencies would be required to process applications in a way that, to the greatest extent practicable, lets students pursue graduate study. The bill would also allow F students pursuing these STEM degrees to seek lawful permanent residence while keeping or extending F status. DHS and State must report yearly to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on visa volumes, processing times, security outcomes, and economic impacts.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
IL • D
Cosponsors
Mike Rounds
SD • R
Sponsored 4/1/2025
Angus King
ME • I
Sponsored 4/1/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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