Bill Overview
Title: Keep STEM Talent Act of 2022
Description: This bill exempts certain aliens with advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year. Specifically, the alien 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 a job offer) in a field related to the degree and earn at least the median wage for that occupation, and (3) meet certain labor certification requirements. The bill also allows an alien seeking a nonimmigrant F-1 (student) visa to obtain an advanced STEM degree to have dual intent. Specifically, such an alien may obtain the nonimmigrant visa or change nonimmigrant status even if the alien intends to seek lawful permanent resident status. (Generally, an alien may be denied a nonimmigrant visa if the alien actually intends to seek immigrant status, unless dual intent is allowed for that type of visa.)
Sponsors: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Target Audience
Population: International STEM graduates in the United States
Estimated Size: 200000
- The bill targets aliens with advanced degrees in STEM fields, which encapsulates a significant number of international students and workers who are in the United States for education or occupation.
- Specifically, it applies to those who have earned a master's level degree or higher in the U.S., who are employed in a field related to their degree, and meet wage requirements.
- The STEM fields mentioned are broad and can include sciences such as computer science, engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences, and mathematics.
- These students and workers are generally housed in U.S. academic and professional environments, which are becoming increasingly dependent on international talent.
- The move could impact hundreds of thousands worldwide who seek to study or work in the U.S. for career opportunities.
- Data from the ICE in the U.S. indicates that there were over 220,000 students enrolled in STEM programs in the U.S. For those at master's and PhD levels, this is a significant portion, though not all will seek this path immediately.
Reasoning
- The target population for the Keep STEM Talent Act of 2022 is primarily international graduates from U.S. institutions with degrees in STEM who wish to remain in the U.S. for work. This population includes current students, recent graduates with work authorizations, and those seeking to change or extend visas. A reasonable portion can be assumed to be aiming for permanent residency, making them prime candidates for the policy.
- A significant number of international STEM graduates may already have some pathways to remain, such as OPT (Optional Practical Training) visas, but this policy can ease the transition to permanent residency, making it more attractive for them to stay long-term.
- Financial constraints of $50,000,000 USD in year 1 and $250,000,000 USD over 10 years need to be considered in the context of outreach, processing costs, and any administrative adjustments necessary within immigration services.
- The policy could incentivize more international students to choose the U.S. for their STEM studies due to these potential long-term residency pathways.
- The estimated initial impact on about 150,000 potential applicants reflects those likely to engage with the policy soon after its adoption, considering enrollment and graduation cycles.
Simulated Interviews
Computer Scientist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a big relief. Before, I was constantly worried about the H-1B visa lottery and the stress of not getting selected.
- Now, I can focus on my job and career development without the looming threat of having to leave the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Petroleum Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was planning to return to Venezuela as my work visa would eventually expire, but this gives me a chance to build a long-term career here.
- It provides stability and encourages me to put down roots in the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Biotech Researcher (Boston, MA)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am not directly affected, as I already have plans to transition to a green card, but it will make the process smoother and less stressful for many colleagues.
- It helps to know that there's a policy making it easier to attract and retain talent here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Data Scientist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I was nervous about my future here as the work visa was uncertain.
- This policy will help those with real talent to work without the visa worries holding them back.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Urban Planner (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I am already in line for a green card, this policy reassures me that STEM graduates are valued in the U.S.
- It's a positive step for those who may not have the immediate option of permanent residency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy supports people like me who are crucial to tech growth but face uncertainty due to visa restrictions.
- I can now consider a more stable future here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Mechanical Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have always dreamed of building my career in the U.S., but without a clear residency path, it's daunting.
- This policy alleviates some of those fears and allows me to plan for the long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Civil Engineer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I am not directly affected, this policy is beneficial because it helps my younger colleagues find stability.
- I see a lot of potential talent leaving without options, and this counteracts that trend.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Environmental Scientist (Denver, CO)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy aligns well with my situation, even though I have Canadian citizenship as a backup.
- It's one less worry about the future for those who want to commit to staying in the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
University Professor (Austin, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is more important for my students than for me, as it gives them much needed peace of mind about staying here post-graduation.
- It keeps the talent pipeline flowing, which benefits both academia and industry.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $40000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $40000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $65000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $45000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The administrative cost implications for additional visa processing and labor certification must be considered.
- Impacts on U.S. labor markets could be positive if the policy increases the availability of highly skilled workers.
- The economic benefit from STEM talent retention could outweigh administrative costs over time.