A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2095-2096)
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
The ``Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025'' aims to provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who hold advanced STEM degrees. It requires students pursuing master's level or higher degrees in STEM fields at United States institutions to apply for admission prior to starting their programs. The bill establishes a strengthened vetting process including background checks and interviews for these students. It also requires an annual report to Congress regarding the implementation and effectiveness of these visa requirements. Finally, the Act allows certain advanced STEM degree holders and their families to obtain permanent resident status if they meet specific employment and wage requirements.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +8
Would immigrants be better off under this?
It offers a significant opportunity for advanced degree holders to achieve permanent legal status.
- Scored +7
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?
The bill creates a direct pathway to lawful permanent residence for advanced STEM graduates and their families.
- Scored +6
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency for young professionals in STEM fields.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
The bill mandates more rigorous vetting, including background checks and interviews, for incoming students.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Path to Permanent Residency for STEM Graduates: Individuals who earn a master's degree or higher in a specified STEM field at an accredited United States institution can obtain lawful permanent resident status if they have a job offer or are employed in a related field at a pay rate higher than the median wage (Section 3(a)).
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Family Reunification: The bill extends the ability to obtain lawful permanent resident status to the spouses and children of qualifying advanced STEM degree holders (Section 3(a)(I)-(IV)).
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Increased Flexibility for Student Visas: Bona fide students admitted to advanced STEM programs may obtain, extend, or change their nonimmigrant status even if they are seeking lawful permanent resident status (Section 3(d)(1)).
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Efficient Processing Goals: The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State are directed to process applications in a timely manner to allow for the pursuit of graduate education (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Admission Requirements: Students seeking to pursue an advanced degree in a STEM field at the master's level or higher must now apply for admission prior to beginning their degree program (Section 2(a)).
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Increased Vetting Burdens: Aliens seeking admission from within the United States must undergo more rigorous procedures, including verification of academic credentials, comprehensive background checks, and interviews equivalent to those for those seeking admission from outside the United States (Section 2(b)).
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? — It offers a significant opportunity for advanced degree holders to achieve permanent legal status. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency for young professionals in STEM fields. Would children be better off under this? — The bill allows spouses and children of STEM graduates to obtain legal status, aiding family stability. Would students be better off under this? — It provides a clearer professional future for international students in advanced STEM programs. Would business owners be better off under this? — Employers benefit from a more stable and permanent supply of high-skilled STEM talent.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Retaining advanced STEM degree holders can bolster technological innovation and economic growth. Is this likely to create jobs? — By providing a pathway to permanent residency, the bill helps retain high-skilled talent in the US workforce.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens? — The bill creates a direct pathway to lawful permanent residence for advanced STEM graduates and their families.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual reports to Congress regarding the effectiveness of the visa requirements. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal oversight through enhanced vetting and mandatory reporting to Congress.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — The bill mandates more rigorous vetting, including background checks and interviews, for incoming students.
- 4/1/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2095-2096)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota