The White House has issued a directive aimed at helping immigrants with expertise in STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – to come to or remain in the U.S. The immigration-related initiatives announced by the White House will help the U.S. to attract and retain high-skilled talent. This will in turn enable U.S. companies to compete in an aggressively competitive global economy, create new jobs for U.S. workers and otherwise help keep America at the cutting edge of emerging science and technology. To view the DHS announcement, click here.
The directive authorizes the Departments of State and Homeland Security to provide new and/or better pathways for international students, researchers and experts in high-value STEM fields to find opportunities to further research and innovation in the U.S.
Specific steps include:
• the addition of 22 new fields of academic study eligible for 24-month extensions of Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT permits international students in the U.S. to pursue experiential learning in their field of study. International students in STEM fields are already eligible for up to 36 months of OPT. By adding 22 new fields of study in multidisciplinary or emerging fields, additional numbers of STEM-eligible international students will be able to gain valuable hands-on experience while, at the same time, making contributions to U.S. companies.
• the creation of a new program, called the “Early Career STEM Research Initiative” to facilitate the use of J-1 visas to allow the admission of exchange visitors coming to the United States to engage in STEM-related activities such as research, training or educational exchange. Under this initiative, eligible exchange visitors will be able to come to the U.S. to participate in academic training for up to 36 months.
• the updating of the DHS Policy Manual relating to applications for non-immigrants of “extraordinary ability” using the O-1A visa category. These updates will broaden the categories of evidence which can be used to demonstrate “extraordinary ability” to encompass STEM-specific criteria. The broadening of the criteria is intended to make O-1 visa status more attainable to high-skilled scientists and researchers in high-demand STEM fields.
• changes to the DHS Policy Manual relating to applications for permanent residence within the National Interest Waiver (NIW) classification. Regulations currently permit individuals to self-petition for lawful permanent residence in the U.S. based on evidence that their work will serve critical national interests. The modifications to the Policy Manual are intended to clarify how an individual’s activities in a STEM field can be used to satisfy the “national interest” standard.
These provisions stem from the Administration’s Executive Order 14012, Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, and are a reflection of the Administration’s belief that appropriated regulated and administered immigration, for high-skilled and less-skilled immigrants, is good for America.
For additional information on the Administration’s STEM initiatives, click here. For information on how you or your organization can benefit from these provisions, contact us.