Chronicle: New Rule Allows Foriegn Students to Stay in the U.S. Longer After Graduation

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has quietly extended the amount of time foreign students in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics are allowed to remain in the U.S. without a work visa after their graduation.

Due to mounting pressure from tech companies calling for an increase in visas for skilled workers, and with studies finding less foreign graduates choosing to stay in the U.S., DHS called the shortage of H-1B visas an “emergency” and introduced a new rule allowing students to stay an additional seventeen months in the country for “Optional Practical Training,” up from the previous twelve.

The new rule may help those like Mohammad Sajid, a researchers profiled by The Scientist, who was barred reentry into the U.S. twice and is now moving his research on anti-malarial drugs overseas. But it is only one step in fixing a outdated and counterproductive immigration policy. Science Progress advisory board member Tom Kalil has recommended the creation of “fast-track” employment-based visas for foreign students who receive advanced technical degrees from U.S. universities.

Tags: immigration, legislation, STEM Education

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