PHDs First Act
Sponsored By: Representative Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a path to permanent residency for people who earn U.S. doctoral or equivalent terminal degrees and allows doctoral students to pursue green-card intent while studying. The bill would tie that exemption to U.S. accreditation, work in a field related to the degree, a wage above the local median, and an approved labor certification.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Green card cap relief for U.S. doctoral grads
If enacted, some U.S.-trained doctoral graduates could be exempt from green card number caps. You would need a doctorate (or terminal highest degree) earned while physically in the U.S. at an accredited U.S. institution. You would also need a U.S. job or job offer in your field that pays above the local median wage for that job. An approved labor certification would be required.
Dual intent visas for doctoral students
If enacted, doctoral students could get or keep an F student visa even if they plan to seek a green card. You must be a bona fide student in a doctoral or terminal-degree program at an accredited U.S. institution.
File employment green card petitions with Homeland Security
If enacted, some employment-based immigrant petitions could be filed with the Secretary of Homeland Security instead of the Attorney General. This would apply to 203(b)(2), 203(b)(3), and the new doctoral-exempt group. It is a filing process change, not a new benefit or funding.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
MI • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
NY • R
Sponsored 8/1/2025
Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
IL • D
Sponsored 8/5/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov