A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 10 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the ``Keep Innovators in America Act''. It amends the Immigration and Nationality Act. The purpose is to codify the Optional Practical Training program. Under the bill, a course of study may include practical training and employment authorization. This is allowed under terms and conditions set by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The employment must be related to the field of study, including after completing degree requirements.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +7
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill provides significant legal stability and work opportunities for immigrant students.
- Scored +7
Would students be better off under this?
The bill secures the ability for students to transition from their degree requirements into practical employment.
- Scored +6
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The bill directly benefits young adults by providing a clearer path to employment after completing their studies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2 allows a course of study to include practical training and employment authorization set by the Secretary of Homeland Security, as long as the employment is related to the field of study, including after completing degree requirements. This is positive because it officially puts the Optional Practical Training program into law and lets students work in fields related to their studies.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill provides significant legal stability and work opportunities for immigrant students. Would students be better off under this? — The bill secures the ability for students to transition from their degree requirements into practical employment. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill directly benefits young adults by providing a clearer path to employment after completing their studies. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Codifying training programs disproportionately benefits the high number of Asian American students currently utilizing these paths. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The ability to work post-graduation provides more opportunities for students to achieve economic stability.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill facilitates job creation by allowing international students to remain and work in the U.S. through codified practical training. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Codifying practical training can help various businesses access skilled talent from the international student population.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens? — The bill assists the immigration process by allowing students to maintain status while their permanent residence petitions are pending.
- Education And Technology
- Does this reduce what student borrowers owe or repay? — By facilitating post-degree employment, the bill helps students build the income necessary to manage educational costs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to set the terms and conditions for practical training.
- 11/10/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 9/24/2026
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- 3/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Bill FosterDemocrat · Illinois
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Raja KrishnamoorthiDemocrat · Illinois
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Greg StantonDemocrat · Arizona
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan