Blitz Bureau
CONGRESSPERSON Shri Thanedar, representing Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, has introduced a legislation that would allow students to stay in the United States after their studies. He introduced H.R. 9023, the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act, a legislation encouraging promising young students to stay in the US after their studies, a release from his office said. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It also encompasses a wider range of academic disciplines falling within the four descriptions.
The Act proposes reforms to the H-1B visa process and raises the number of available visas each year to make staying in the US more accessible for individuals capable of contributing to our industry and economy.
According to the July 12 press release, “The Congress found that foreign students pursuing an education in technology and the sciences have significantly contributed to overall innovation and growth in the US. Congressman Thanedar has placed heavy emphasis on the visa process for STEM graduates, thus placing hardworking, merited students at the forefront of his efforts.” Congressman Thanedar, himself of Indian origin, referred to his personal experience to affirm the importance of this legislation.
Keeping gifted students
“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,” he has stated. Thanedar explained how the Keep STEM Graduates in America Act does that, “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.”
Adding that Thanedar believes every student deserves considerable time to find employment and determine which workspace works best for them, the release also quoted him saying, “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.”
Support for legislation
Meanwhile, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies has voiced support for the legislation, the statement said.
