119-HR-8013 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 8013 Keep Innovators in America Act
A bipartisan House bill would write the student work program known as OPT into immigration law—aimed at keeping more international graduates in the U.S.—an approach generally favored by universities and many employers but opposed by immigration‑restriction groups and some lawmakers citing labor and tax concerns; it was introduced on March 19, 2026 and sent to the House Judiciary Committee. (uscis.gov)
Headline Summary
A bipartisan bill would formally add the Optional Practical Training (OPT) pathway to U.S. immigration law so eligible international students can work in jobs related to their studies, including after graduation, with rules set by the Department of Homeland Security.
What It Does
- The bill (H.R. 8013, “Keep Innovators in America Act”) amends the F‑1 student visa section to explicitly allow practical training and employment authorization when the work is related to the field of study. It lets DHS define the terms and conditions, including post‑graduation training. - It also allows an F‑1 student to keep lawful student status if they are the beneficiary of a pending or approved immigrant petition, while requiring any ongoing studies to meet existing rules for bona fide students.
Why It Matters
- Today, OPT is created by regulation, not by statute. Writing it into law could make the program more durable and reduce uncertainty from shifting administrations or lawsuits. (congress.gov)
- For students and employers, clarity matters: OPT currently enables up to 12 months of post‑completion work, with many STEM graduates eligible for a 24‑month extension under DHS rules. Codifying the authority behind those permissions—while leaving specifics to DHS—could provide a clearer, longer‑term framework. (uscis.gov)
Who’s For It
- Bill sponsors: Reps. Sam Liccardo (D‑CA), Jay Obernolte (R‑CA), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D‑IL) introduced it on March 19, 2026, framing it as a competitiveness and retention measure.
- Universities and international‑education groups (e.g., NAFSA) generally support preserving OPT as a way to retain skilled graduates and bolster campus‑to‑industry pipelines. (nafsa.org)
- Business coalitions argue that limiting OPT would cost U.S. jobs and harm growth; a Business Roundtable analysis projected job losses if OPT were scaled back. (businessroundtable.org)
- Manufacturers’ groups have defended STEM OPT in court, calling it a vital talent pipeline. (nam.org)
Who’s Against It
- Immigration‑restriction organizations such as NumbersUSA oppose OPT, asserting it disadvantages recent U.S. graduates and should be ended. (numbersusa.com)
- Some lawmakers push to tax or terminate OPT: for example, the OPT Fair Tax Act would end payroll‑tax advantages for OPT participants, and a 2025 House bill sought to eliminate OPT outright. (cotton.senate.gov)
- Critics also point to a payroll‑tax differential: many F‑1 students in authorized “practical training” are generally exempt from Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes during their early, nonresident‑alien years—an employer‑side cost difference that fuels the debate. (apps.irs.gov)
What’s Next
As of March 20, 2026, the bill has been introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Next steps would typically include committee hearings and a markup before any House floor vote, then consideration in the Senate.
Discussion