Congressman Shri Thanedar Introduces Keep STEM Graduates in America Act to Expand H-1B Visa Availability

Congressman Thanedar proposes initiatives to retain talented young students in the US through H-1B visas, scholarships and career opportunities, aiming to bolster American innovation and workforce sustainability.

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has introduced legislation encouraging promising foreign students to stay in the US after their studies by expanding the availability of H-1B visas, the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals. The "Keep STEM Graduates in America Act" proposes reforms to the H-1B visa process and raises the number of available visas each year to facilitate easier access for individuals capable of contributing to the industry and economy. The personal significance of this legislation, drawing from his own experience as an immigrant whose educational opportunities in the US paved the way for subsequent achievements.

The bill aims to simplify the H-1B visa application process and expand its availability, encouraging innovation and growth within the US. Increasing the availability of H-1B visas and simplifying the application process enables the most innovative students to contribute to innovations in the US.  The need for revisions was particularly regarding extensions to address the challenges graduates face in obtaining H-1B visas post-graduation, citing concerns over deadlines impacting students' stay in the country.

The Indian American community has expressed approval of Thanedar's legislation. According to Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy and Strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), the bill is necessary to retain foreign STEM graduates in the US. The extension in Optional Practical Training provided by the bill would afford students more time to secure suitable employment and opportunities before transitioning to H-1B visas.

In recent years, Indian tech professionals have dominated the allocation of H-1B visas, securing approximately 70 percent of the 85,000 visas available, including the 20,000 reserved for advanced US degree holders. In 2022 alone, Indians accounted for 77 percent of the 320,000 approved H-1B visas. This year, the USCIS projects around 350,000 applicants, with a decrease attributed to new measures to combat fraud.

Reflecting the growing demand, the US issued a record number of over 140,000 visas to Indian students in 2023, with expectations for a further increase this year. Supporting bills like this brings individuals from different parts of the world closer to a more equitable space and fosters a stronger economy, benefiting Americans and Michiganders alike.

Thanedar is an Indian-American politician serving as a U.S. Representative from Michigan's 13th congressional district. Born on February 22, 1955, in Belgaum, India, Thanedar immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. He holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Akron and an MBA from Fontbonne University.

In 2020, Thanedar was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, where he served until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022. As a congressman, Thanedar focuses on policies supporting working families, promoting education and innovation, and ensuring equitable economic opportunities for all. His unique immigrant and entrepreneur background gives him a distinct perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing his constituents and the nation.

The Keep STEM Graduates in America Act is poised to bolster US competitiveness by expanding H-1B visa access for skilled immigrants. Backed by the Indian American community, this legislation will foster innovation and economic growth, leveraging Thanedar’s immigrant background to benefit Michigan and the nation.