Senate Bill Would Make It Easier for STEM Graduates to Stay in U.S.

Senate Bill Would Make It Easier for STEM Graduates to Stay in U.S.

Two U.S. senators have introduced legislation that would make it easier for international students studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to stay in the United States after graduation and earn permanent residency. The SMART Jobs Act would create a new student-visa category for graduate students pursuing degrees in the so-called STEM disciplines. Students would be permitted to remain in the country for a year after graduation while looking for a job, and after getting full-time employment in a STEM field, they would have their immigration status adjusted to “legal permanent resident.” Echoing an argument made by many educators, the measure’s sponsors contend that the United States badly needs to retain talented foreign students in critical fields.