H.R. 2627: Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025, aims to adjust immigration policies concerning foreign students who earn advanced degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields from U.S. institutions. Here are the key points of the bill:

Visa Requirements

• Graduate Degree Admission: Foreign students who want to pursue a master's degree or higher in a STEM field at a U.S. university must apply for admission before starting their program.
• Vetting Process: The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State will establish procedures to ensure that these students are admissible. This includes verifying academic credentials and conducting comprehensive background checks, similar to those for students coming from outside the U.S.
• Reporting: The Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of State will be required to submit an annual report on the effectiveness of these changes, including data on application volumes and processing times.

Lawful Permanent Resident Status

• Eligibility Criteria: The bill allows certain foreign graduates with STEM degrees to apply for lawful permanent resident status if they meet specific criteria, including:
  • Holding a master's degree or higher in a STEM field from a U.S. institution.
  • Having a job offer or currently employed in the U.S. related to their degree, earning above the median wage for their occupation in the area.
  • Obtaining an approved labor certification.
  • Providing residency status for their spouses and children.
• Definition of STEM Fields: The bill specifies that STEM includes fields like computer sciences, engineering, mathematics, biological sciences, physical sciences, agricultural sciences, and conservation sciences.

Granting Immigration Status

• The bill proposes amending existing immigration laws to facilitate the process for eligible individuals to apply for and obtain immigration status without being subjected to strict numerical limitations.

Dual Intent for Students

• The bill introduces a dual intent provision that allows foreign students pursuing advanced STEM degrees to apply for student visas and be admitted to the U.S. even if they intend to seek permanent residency. This indicates that having such intentions will not hinder their student visa application.

Overall Objectives

The primary aim of this legislation is to attract and retain talented individuals in advanced STEM fields who can contribute to the U.S. economy by easing their pathway to permanent residency and ensuring streamlined processes for their entry into the country.

Relevant Companies

• AMZN (Amazon.com, Inc.): As a major technology company, Amazon could benefit from an influx of skilled STEM graduates who can fill roles in tech and engineering.
• MSFT (Microsoft Corporation): Microsoft may see an increase in the availability of qualified candidates for its software engineering and data science positions.
• GOOGL (Alphabet Inc.): Google's operations could be positively impacted by attracting more talent in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.